Colts-Bengals reportedly still on despite wave of positive tests
By Adam Weinrib
Out of an abundance of caution, the Colts have shut down their facility ahead of battling the Bengals on Sunday.
In an NFL season that feels more untenable by the day, the Colts have become the latest victims of COVID-19.
And, while we wait for next steps, the team still resides in the nascent phase of this crisis, believing they’re exempt from the disease’s impact and can get back to business shortly.
“Several” members of the organization have reportedly tested positive as of Friday morning, and the practice facility has been shuttered while the team attempts to isolate and re-test those who triggered the shutdown.
Statement via the Colts: several members of the organization have tested positive for COVID-19 and accordingly the team's practice facility has been shut down while those tests are confirmed.
— Field Yates (@FieldYates) October 16, 2020
If we learned anything from the Patriots’ and Titans’ outbreaks, however, it’s that the first sign of trouble is rarely the last.
New England, specifically, was rushed into playing the Chiefs two days after Cam Newton’s positive test, rushing to Kansas City in two separate planes, which showed the lack of faith the team had in Newton’s “close contacts” all being clear after a series of rapid tests. Sure enough, after a lot more physical contact in that game, Stephon Gilmore tested positive as well, throwing the Chiefs into chaos.
Sure, we’ve seen a few false positives, but they’ve been the exception, not the norm. And this time, it’s “several” Colts? Come on.
Against the odds, though, the team is still operating as if Sunday’s game against the Bengals is still going to be played as expected, calling their approach “conservative”.
I've communicated with sources in Indy and with the league this morning. My sense is the Colts are being very measured and conservative by closing their facility today. I'm told the game is still on for this weekend. #Colts #Bengals
— Dianna Russini (@diannaESPN) October 16, 2020
Godspeed to the Colts, and to this NFL season that never should’ve happened, save for the fact that America needed a distraction, and several wealthy benefactors needed to increase their coffers.
It’s only a matter of time before the league snidely adds Week 18 and 19, hoping that that’ll solve the problem of an uncontained virus.
Stay tuned for updates; this won’t be the last update you receive before kickoff.
