New Orleans Saints head coach Sean Payton tested positive for COVID-19 and will miss Sunday’s game against the host Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Payton has been fully vaccinated and was “immediately isolated,” according to the team. Per NFL protocol, Payton will be sidelined for 10 days unless he meets the league requirements for a fully vaccinated individual to return to the team.
Per the Saints (6-7), defensive coordinator Dennis Allen will assume the head coaching responsibilities for Sunday’s game against the Buccaneers (10-3).
Payton missed practice Wednesday due to what the team labeled as an illness, however general manager Mickey Loomis said the coach tested negative for COVID-19 and worked from home.
Payton, 57, was the first known person in the NFL to test positive for COVID-19 when he did so in March 2020.
–Field Level Media