The Steelers were set to travel to Nashville, Tenn., to face the Titans in a matchup of 3-0 teams. But that game might now be in jeopardy.
The Titans suspended in-person operations Tuesday after they had three players and five personnel test positive for COVID-19 following their game Sunday against the Vikings. Because of that, their game against the Steelers at Nissan Stadium might be postponed until a later date, though the league is currently planning on holding the game.
That could change, however, if the Titans find more positive results as testing continues this week.
As of now, the #Titans-#Steelers and #Texans-#Vikings games are both on for Sunday. However, the NFL is evaluating the situation and will adjust if needed as more information is gathered. Teams are still working through contact tracing data, etc.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) September 29, 2020
A lot of moving parts.
"Out of the abundance of caution, the organization has decided to work remotely today as we follow NFL protocols related to the COVID-19 virus," the Titans said in a statement. "Several tests have come back positive and are working through the process of confirming them. We will have more information tomorrow."
The Vikings also have suspended in-person operations at this time.
That means any preparations those teams will make for their games on Sunday will be done virtually, assuming those games happen. The Titans will not be permitted to be in their practice facility until Saturday, while the Vikings players must all be cleared before they can return to their facility.
The NFL said it will require the team facility to undergo an extensive cleaning before players are permitted back into the building.
New from @nfl and @NFLPA pic.twitter.com/hyQQRdcp6D
— Brian McCarthy (@NFLprguy) September 29, 2020
Mike Tomlin had been scheduled to hold his weekly press conference at noon, but that was postponed until later in the day while the team deals with the possibilities of what might occur because of this news.
"We have been in contact with the NFL regarding the positive COVID-19 tests with the Tennessee Titans," said Steelers spokesman Burt Lauten. "We have been informed to proceed with our game preparations for Sunday’s game until we are informed otherwise."
A postponement would mean the Steelers, who have played their past two games at home, would play four consecutive home games. They were already scheduled to host the Eagles and Browns Oct. 11 and 18. The Steelers also would face the tall task of having seven of their final 10 games played on the road.
The game also could be moved to Monday night to allow for additional testing. But that would need to take place well before the weekend to allow the Steelers time to change their travel plans.
The Titans were without outside linebackers coach and defensive play caller Shane Bowen for their win against the Vikings last Sunday after he tested positive for coronavirus. Rookie right tackle Isaiah Wilson, the team's top draft pick, also has been in COVID-19 protocol, though the team had some hope he would return this week against the Steelers.
The three players placed on the Resverve/COVID-19 List were defensive tackle DaQuan Jones, long snapper Beau Brinkley and tight end Tommy Hudson. Jones is the team's starting nose tackle, while Hudson is a reserve.
This marks the first time an NFL team has had players test positive in the aftermath of a game. The Falcons had cornerback A.J. Terrell test positive last Friday and held him out of their ensuing game against the Bears.
NFL players are tested six days per week, with game day being the only one in which they are not tested.
The Vikings travel to Houston this weekend.