Bears coach Matt Nagy to participate in rookie minicamp virtually after close COVID-19 contact

The Chicago Bears won't have head coach Matt Nagy working in-person during this weekend's rookie minicamp sessions.

NFL Network's Ian Rapoport (h/t Kevin Patra) reports Nagy has to participate in minicamp virtually after he was deemed a high-risk close contact of a family member who tested positive for COVID-19. Rapoport added that Nagy is not yet fully vaccinated against the coronavirus but will receive the necessary shot(s).

The NFL is enforcing health and safety protocols similar to those utilized during the 2020 season to prevent potential outbreaks. Any player, coach or essential team employee who tests positive must isolate for a minimum of 10 days before that individual can be cleared to return to in-person team activities. 

Detroit Lions offensive tackle Penei Sewell generated headlines on Wednesday when he confirmed he's missing his team's rookie minicamp after he tested positive for COVID-19 the previous weekend. 

The Bears, meanwhile, made one of the biggest splashes of the 2021 NFL Draft when they traded up to select Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback Justin Fields with pick No. 11. Fields can speak with Nagy during meetings but only virtually over the next week or so.