Do Cardinals have COVID-19 outbreak ahead of Browns game?

Arizona Cardinals linebacker Chandler Jones Michael Chow via Imagn Content Services, LLC

Do Cardinals have potential COVID-19 outbreak ahead of Browns game?

By Zac Wassink | Last updated 10/14/21

It was reported earlier this week the unbeaten Arizona Cardinals could be without two-time First-Team All-Pro pass-rusher Chandler Jones for Sunday's game at the 3-2 Cleveland Browns after he tested positive for COVID-19. Per Dana Scott of the Arizona Republic, Arizona head coach Kliff Kingsbury has since confirmed Jones is experiencing coronavirus symptoms, which will almost certainly make him unavailable through at least the weekend.

That may only be the beginning for the 5-0 Cardinals.

According to Dan Graziano of ESPN, the Cardinals have had at least three positive COVID-19 tests heading into Week 6.

As a reminder, a fully vaccinated player who tests positive may return to the team if he tests negative twice with 24 hours between tests, shows no symptoms and is cleared by doctors to return. An unvaccinated player who tests positive would have to be away from team 10 days.
— Dan Graziano (@DanGrazianoESPN) October 14, 2021

Fully vaccinated players who test positive for COVID-19 can return to team activities if they produce two negative virus tests at least 24 hours apart and remain asymptomatic for 48 hours. It's that last part that could make Jones and any other positive individuals unable to fly to Cleveland this weekend.

Jones tallied five sacks, his only quarterback takedowns of the season, in the Week 1 victory over the Tennessee Titans and also has nine tackles, two forced fumbles, a fumble recovery and 14 QB hits. Cleveland, meanwhile, is a perfect 2-0 at home but lost at the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 5.

Zac Wassink is a football and futbol aficionado who is a PFWA member and is probably yelling about Tottenham Hotspur at the moment. Erik Lamela and Eli Manning apologist. Chanted for Matt Harvey to start the ninth inning of Game 5 of the 2015 World Series at Citi Field. Whoops. You can find him on Twitter at @ZacWassink.

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