The Atlanta Falcons shut their facility Thursday following one new positive test for Covid-19. The team remains scheduled to play at Minnesota on Sunday.
Defensive tackle Marlon Davidson was placed on the Covid-19/reserve list this week, and the addition of a second unidentified person caused the Falcons to act out of caution. All team activity will be done virtually.
“This decision was made in consultation with the NFL and medical officials,” the team said in a statement. “The health and safety of our team is our highest priority.”
The Falcons’ decision follows outbreaks with the Tennessee Titans and New England Patriots.
Thursday’s announcement came less than 24 hours the pandemic touched the highest level of college football: University of Alabama coach Nick Saban and athletic director Greg Byrne both tested positive for Covid-19, three days before the second-ranked Crimson Tide is set to face No 3 Georgia in a clash of Southeastern Conference and national powers.
The Falcons, who are winless through five games, fired coach Dan Quinn and general manager Thomas Dimitroff last Sunday night, and Raheem Morris was named interim coach.
