The New Orleans Saints are dealing with multiple positive COVID-19 cases, NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero reported Tuesday.
Pelissero reports that six assistant coaches, a team nutritionist and wide receiver Michael Thomas, who is currently on the physically unable to perform list, tested positive for the virus. The seven staff members who tested positive are vaccinated, Pelissero added. Coach Sean Payton noted during training camp that the entire staff was vaccinated.
Thomas was placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list, per the league transaction wire.
Following the positive tests, the Saints will be in enhanced COVID-19 mitigation protocol, per league policy, which includes a mask mandate and daily testing for all players and staff regardless of vaccination status.
New Orleans, still displaced due to Hurricane Ida, is set to take on the Carolina Panthers in Charlotte this Sunday. The Week 2 bout is on as scheduled, Pelissero reported.