:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/68609231/1288911325.0.jpg)
So, 2021 did not erase all of 2020’s problems.
A day before the Cincinnati Bengals’ last game of the season, the team has learned that DT Mike Daniels has tested positive for COVID-19. Daniels will miss what may be his last game with the Bengals.
#Bengals DT Mike Daniels has tested positive for COVID-19, sources tell me and @RapSheet. He’ll miss tomorrow’s game vs. the #Ravens. Cincy has another player with symptoms and is working through close contacts. Moved their walkthrough to later today while they contact trace.
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) January 2, 2021
Daniels has played in 11 games for Cincinnati this season after signing a one-year deal with the team back in August. His absence will create an opening along the starting defensive line next to DT Christian Covington, that is, unless Covington was a close contact with Daniels and also contracted the virus.
Per ProFootballTalk’s Mike Florio, the Bengals are concerned about 10 other players being close contacts with Daniels. At least one other player is currently dealing with symptoms.
Confirmed. Also hearing the fear is that up to 10 players may be deemed "close contacts" with Daniels. https://t.co/kXtd5dpCpK
— ProFootballTalk (@ProFootballTalk) January 2, 2021
Being a close contact does not imply an inevitable positive test, but it’s important to know who may’ve been at most risk and the team can contact trace accordingly.
For everyone’s sake, hopefully Daniels is the lone positive test. We will update this story when more information becomes available...