ENGLEWOOD, Colorado –Broncos full back / tight end Andrew Beck has been placed on the Reserve / COVID-19 list, the team announced Thursday.
The list was created for players who have tested positive for COVID-19 or have been quarantined after close contact with an infected person. Due to NFL and NFLPA policy, the Broncos are not allowed to identify which of the two categories applies to Beck.
Beck is the first member of the Broncos roster to be placed on the Reserve / COVID-19 roster.
According to the COVID-19 policy of the NFL and NFLPA, there are different protocols to follow depending on whether the individual has tested positive or has been in close contact with a symptomatic individual:
- A person who tests positive for COVID-19 and exhibits symptoms may not return to the facility until at least 10 days have passed since their first symptoms of COVID. At least 72 hours must also have passed since the last symptoms, and the team doctor must approve the individual’s return after discussion with the Incident Command Center (ICS) and the NFL Chief Medical Officer. .
- A person who tests positive and is asymptomatic may not return for 10 days after the initial positive test or five days since the initial positive test and the individual has had two consecutive negative tests separated by 24 hours. The individual’s return must also be approved by the club doctor after discussion with the CSI and NFL chief medical officer.
- A person who has been in close contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19 should be tested as soon as possible and self-isolate until the results are received. The individual can return to the facility if the resulting test is negative and the individual remains asymptomatic. This person should also have a second test within 24 hours of receiving the negative test result. He or she will also be under increased symptom monitoring and will have daily tests for each of the next eight days. The regular testing schedule will apply after these eight days.
- A person who has been in close contact with a symptomatic person should also be tested as soon as possible and self-isolate until results are received. The individual can return to the facility if the resulting test is negative and the individual remains asymptomatic. They will also undergo increased symptom monitoring, daily testing for the first eight days, and the regular testing schedule after that time.
After testing positive, a person cannot travel, access club facilities, or have direct contact with employees or players other than medical staff until they are allowed to return.
Players who have tested positive and who return to the facility must undergo one of two processes to return to the field. If the player has a mild and symptomatic infection, they should follow a progressive exercise protocol that lasts at least three days and is done under the supervision of the team’s medical staff. If the player has a moderate to severe infection, they must follow the same protocol for seven days or twice the length of the player’s hospital stay.
While on the Reserve / COVID-19 list, Beck will not count against the active list of 80 men.
