The Jets were without defensive lineman Foley Fotukasi due to COVID-19 protocols on Sunday, and on Monday, that list grew exponentially: defensive linemen Tanzel Smart and John Franklin-Myers, defensive backs Sharrod Neasman and CB Lamar Jackson, and wide receiver Vyncint Smith all tested positive for COVID and were placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list.
“We had a bit of a COVID run this morning; they still have a chance to make it this week,” head coach Robert Saleh said, “but they’ve gotta go through the protocol with regards to being asymptomatic plus two negative (tests) and all that stuff.”
The NFL is implementing new COVID protocols as of Tuesday that will provide “a more targeted testing plan, more flexibility for players to attend meetings virtually and also a high-risk player opt-out for the remainder of the season,” and allow for fully-vaccinated players to not face weekly testing unless they’re symptomatic.
“I know we have the new protocols coming out, but I think our players are cognizant, not only for themselves, but their teammates," Saleh said. "Some players are showing up asymptomatic, some are showing up symptomatic – I think if you’re showing up symptomatic you should go test because you never know. It’s more of a responsibility thing until we really fully grasp what this thing is and understand how we can beat it to get life back to normal.”
Some good news for the Jets? DB Elijah Riley is in concussion protocol, but otherwise seems to be okay after a scary collision that saw him get carted off the field in Miami.
“Knock on wood, he checked out good at the hospital yesterday and we’re optimistic he’ll be able to return this season, maybe even this week,” Saleh said. “Very scary moment for everybody, but our staff, and the Dolphins’ staff, did a great job, and he checked out okay at the hospital, so a very scary concussion is what it ended up being, and his playing career is not in jeopardy.”
Follow Lou DiPietro on Twitter: @LouDiPietroWFAN
Follow WFAN on Social Media
Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | YouTube | Twitch