Eight New Orleans Saints staff members have tested positive for COVID-19, sources revealed on Tuesday. This brings the Saints’ ability to field a team in Sunday’s game against the Carolina Panthers into question.
Included in the ranks of those who tested positive were six offensive coaches, one player, and a nutritionist. In an interview with WWL Radio in New Orleans on Tuesday, Saints general manager Mickey Loomis confirmed that the team is struggling with numerous COVID-19 related challenges, including several positive cases. He refused to share further specifics, instead reiterating his support for coach Sean Payton, simply claiming that “we’ll handle it”.
Currently, the New Orleans-based team is operating under intense COVID-19 health restrictions, including mandatory mask-wearing inside facilities, daily testing, and grab-and-go meals. Furthermore, no in-person meetings are permitted, with talks taking place remotely.
There is still no confirmation as to whether the staff members who tested positive will remain unavailable in the coming days. According to NFL guidelines, vaccinated players and staff who are asymptomatic after receiving a positive result may return so long as they provide two negative results 24 hours apart.
The Saints are set to face the Panthers on Sunday at 1 p.m. ET at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina.
