It's been a rollercoaster week in Atlanta.
Early this week, the team fired GM Thomas Dimitroff and coach Dan Quinn. Now the club's Week 6 plans have been disrupted by COVID-19.
NFL Network's Mike Garafolo reported that the Falcons are working remotely Thursday morning following one confirmed positive COVID-19 test Wednesday. The league is working to confirm one or more positive while contract tracing, Garafolo added. The one confirmed new positive COVID-19 test is an assistant coach, NFL Network's Tom Pelissero reported, per a source.
The team released the following statement:
"Out of an abundance of caution following one new positive test, we have made the decision to stop all in-person work at IBM Performance Field Thursday and will conduct all operations virtually. This decision was made in consultation with the NFL and medical officials. The health and safety of our team is our highest priority."
Pelissero added the Falcons had the option to return to the facility Thursday afternoon, but the team decided to operate virtually all day as a precaution. The plan is to return to the facility Friday, barring further issues.
The Falcons placed rookie Marlon Davidson on the reserve/COVID-19 list Tuesday. It's possible that the additional cases Thursday could end up being false positives, which could allow them to return to the facility. Until they are confirmed, Atlanta is taking precautions.
The New York Jets underwent a similar situation last week where the team sent staff and players home after a presumed positive on Friday. Gang Green was still able to play its Week 5 game.
The Falcons are scheduled to travel to Minnesota to face the Vikings in Week 6 on Sunday at 1 p.m. ET. An NFL spokesperson told Garafolo there is no change to Falcons-Vikings at this time.
