PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — The Eagles enjoyed some time off last week during their bye, but the reality of the coronavirus pandemic is once again marring the organization.
Eagles safety Marcus Epps was put on the team’s reserve/COVID-19 list after reportedly testing positive last week. At this point, no other player has been infected since Epps was placed on the list.
The Eagles will take on the Giants in North Jersey on Sunday. As the team prepares for the second half of the season, safety Rodney McLeod is hoping his teammate will make a quick recovery.
“It’s unfortunate that Marcus came down with COVID,” said McLeod. “I hope he gets better soon and we can get him back here as quickly as possible.”
Epps is not the first member of the organization to test positive for the virus. Head coach Doug Pederson and tackle Lane Johnson both recovered after testing positive over the summer. Despite the current situation with Epps, McLeod believes the organization is doing all it can to prevent the spread of the virus at the Eagles headquarters.
“I’m confident in our protocols and our staff and how everyone has approached the COVID situation,” he added. “Us all wearing our masks. Most importantly are the contact tracers.”
The contact tracers apparently indicated there was no apparent danger to the other defensive backs on the team. McLeod and the rest of the defensive backfield members usually are working together during the week. The positive test for Epps came in a week in which the Eagles had time off and were only coming into the building on most days for testing.
“No one — based on all the trackers — came in close proximity enough where the staff felt they had to remove any one of us,” McLeod explained. “It’s a good thing. I’m hoping Marcus gets back as soon as possible.”
The NFL has made it halfway through the season without any pandemic-related stoppages. Some teams have been forced to reschedule games, but the league is hoping the rest of the season will be played without interruption.
McLeod insisted the Eagles will continue to do what they need to do to protect themselves as best as possible.
“Guys are practicing social distancing the right way and being very cautious and mindful about this disease that’s upon us,” he said. “We just have to continue we make sure we wear the masks and do the right thing.”