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Report: Giants put OL Will Hernandez on reserve/COVID-19 list, quarantine all but 4 OL

The New York Giants have placed offensive lineman Will Hernandez on the reserve/COVID-19 list, according to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero.

Hernandez being placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list doesn’t automatically mean that he has tested positive. It can also mean that he was exposed to someone who tested positive or is experiencing COVID-19 symptoms.

The Giants released a statement Thursday to announce that an unnamed player has tested positive for COVID-19. Contact tracing is underway, but their team facility will stay open.

Possible issues for Monday’s game

Hernandez is the first Giants player to be placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list this season, but he may not be the last. The Giants have reportedly quarantined two coaches and all but four of their offensive linemen after contact tracing.

The Giants face the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Monday night, and these quarantines could definitely impact that game. The Las Vegas Raiders faced a similar situation last week when they were forced to practice without five members of their offensive line after Trent Brown was placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list and four others were identified as close contacts.

The four Raiders’ close contacts were cleared in time for Sunday’s game (which also happened to be against the Buccaneers), but head coach Jon Gruden thought his o-line suffered because they hadn’t been able to practice.

The lineman who have reportedly been quarantined could be cleared in time for Monday night’s game. That will depend on when they were in contact with the individual who tested positive, and what kind of contact they had. However, it’s possible that they could be back with the Giants sooner rather than later.

Chargers announce positive test

The Los Angeles Chargers also announced on Thursday that one of their players has tested positive for COVID-19. They did not announce the name of the player, who has been self-isolating since the test results came in on Wednesday night.

The Chargers’ facility will remain open, but meetings will be conducted virtually. All close contacts of the player have been told to stay home pending further testing.

CHICAGO, IL - SEPTEMBER 20: New York Giants offensive guard Will Hernandez (71) looks on in action during a game between the Chicago Bears and the New York Giants on September 20, 2020 at Soldier Field in Chicago, IL. (Photo by Robin Alam/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

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