PHILADELPHIA (Audacy) — A dozen Philadelphia Eagles tested positive for COVID-19 on Monday
Among the notable players who tested positive include Fletcher Cox, Dallas Goedert and Jason Kelce. Others on the COVID-19 list are LB Genard Avery, S Marcus Epps, G Nate Herbig, RB Jordan Howard, CB Avonte Maddox, S Rodney McLeod, RB Boston Scott, LB Alex Singleton and TE Jack Stoll.
The Eagles clinched a playoff spot on Sunday with their win over the Washington Football Team and wins by the 49ers and Packers eliminating other barriers to the playoffs, but anyone who is asymptomatic still has a chance to return for the next game against the Dallas Cowboys on Saturday.
The new COVID-19 protocols, which were agreed to last Tuesday, allow for a player to only need to isolate for five days after a positive test if they are asymptomatic, regardless of vaccination status.
The league says players must also be at least 24 hours beyond their last fever without medication for that high temperature, a team doctor must clear them, and they must follow local regulations or requirements.
While these players could still return for Saturday’s game, it is also possible that the Eagles could decide to rest a good chunk of their starters with a playoff berth already clinched.
Head coach Nick Sirianni was noncommittal about it when asked on Sportsradio WIP on Monday, but said it would be discussed with other coaches and decided on later this week.
The Eagles cannot get a home game in the playoffs and will either be the sixth or seventh seed in the wild-card round. They will not know who their opponent will be for either matchup until after Sunday’s games, which could factor into Sirianni’s decision.