The Kansas City Chiefs closed their facility on Thursday afternoon after a staff member tested positive for COVID-19, the team announced.
NFL Network reported that head athletic trainer Rick Burkholder was that staff member who tested positive.
The Chiefs were notified of the positive test on Thursday morning. The team said the staff member is in self-quarantine and that contract tracing is underway.
Later Thursday, Kansas City placed standout defensive tackle Chris Jones on the reserve/COVID-19 list. Jones was a limited participant in practice for reasons that weren’t related to an injury.
The move doesn’t necessarily mean Jones (team-best 4.5 sacks) tested positive. Contact tracing may have found he was in close contact with someone who did test positive.
Kansas City held the practice on Thursday morning prior to closing the facility. The plan was to hold meetings virtually.
It was unclear if the facility would reopen on Friday.
“We’ll continue to monitor the situation and take any appropriate action necessary to protect the team and those around us,” the team said in a statement.
Right tackle Mitchell Schwartz (back) sat out practice for the second straight day. He has missed the past two games.
The Chiefs are scheduled to host the Carolina Panthers on Sunday.
–Field Level Media
