After several players around the NFL, and their teams, are questioning the results of some false-positive tests by the league’s COVID-19 testing partner, the Raiders have decided to take a maintenance day but say change not related.
Sunday morning NFL insider Tom Pelisssero, and the Associated Press, reported the Chicago Bears, and several other teams were questioning the results of several false-positive COVID-19 tests by the league’s testing partner BioReference. The Raiders have altered their practice plans for Sunday, but according to Vinny Bonsignore at the Las Vegas Review-Journal, the change was not related to the issue.
This comes on the heels of the BioReference lab in New Jersey being called into question over several positive tests found over the weekend.
The NFL issued a statement on Saturday night about precautions and the testing issue.
“Clubs are taking immediate precautionary measures as outlined in the NFL-NFLPA’s health and safety protocols to include contact tracing, isolation of individuals and temporarily adjusting the schedule, where appropriate. The other laboratories used for NFL testing have not had similar results.”
The Raiders were scheduled to practice Sunday but will instead make it a maintenance day. Although the team hasn’t officially made a statement, the Las Vegas Review-Journal reported the team had canceled practice for the day.
The team was still making defensive tackle Maurice Hurst and safety Erik Harris available to the media via video conference at 9am.
Since testing began in the NFL, the Raiders have had three positive tests including starting defensive end Maxx Crosby, and running backs Devontae Booker and Rod Smith. All recovered and showed no symptoms of COVID-19 under quarantine. All returned to the team for practices.
The pandemic also did not impact the completion of Allegiant Stadium, despite several positive tests amongst workers on the site.