New York Giants offensive coordinator Jason Garrett tested positive for COVID-19.
The team announced Garrett would continue to work remotely.
Tight end's coach Freddie Kitchens will serve as the team's offensive play-caller Sunday night against the Cleveland Browns.
"We are currently working with the league's chief medical officer regarding close contacts," the Giants said in a statement. "Because of the league's most updated protocols, Giants coaches and players did not meet on either Monday or Tuesday, and the majority of the coaching staff worked remotely. At this point, there appear to be no high risk close contacts. We are awaiting confirmation from the league.
"Out of an abundance of caution, the Giants will meet remotely and will not practice today."
Giants coaches did not meet in person Monday or Tuesday but Garrett worked a normal day Wednesday before learning overnight he tested positive for COVID-19, NFL Network's Tom Pelissero reported. No high-risk, close contacts have been identified thus far, Pelissero added. The Giants later announced that cornerback James Bradberry would miss Sunday's game as well after being placed on the team's reserve/COVID-19 list.
"This is something we've been preparing for," Giants head coach Joe Judge said Thursday, per the New York Post. "Jason was still very involved in meetings on Zoom this morning."
Garrett's absence Sunday thrusts Kitchens into the spotlight against his former team. The ex-Browns head coach was fired last December after one season in charge in Cleveland.
Sunday night's tilt could be a revenge-filled affair for Big Blue. Not only is Kitchens calling plays, former Browns QB Colt McCoy could get the start against his old team if Daniel Jones is ruled out due to injury.
Judge said that he was "encouraged" by how Jones looked during Wednesday's session, per SNY, and he said the fact that there is no practice Thursday does not make it less likely Jones could play Sunday.
The prime-time matchup includes a host of postseason ramifications for both clubs. The Giants are trying to leap Washington for the lead in the NFC East, while the 9-4 Browns are attempting to stick in prime wild-card position in a crowded AFC race.
