Let the game begin: All Jaguars active players negative for COVID-19

Jacksonville list receiver Dede Westbrook and defense end Josh Allen as inactive

Wearing a mask as protection from the Corona virus, Jaguars head coach Doug Marrone of the Jacksonville Jaguars watches from the sideline during a game against the Tennessee Titans. (Photo by Frederick Breedon/Getty Images)

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The morning after the Jaguars canceled on-site activities after a player on the practice squad tested positive for coronavirus, the team said all Jacksonville players have received multiple negative tests and are eligible to play against the Detroit Lions in TIAA Bank Field on Sunday.

The Jaguars (1-4) host Detroit (1-3) on Sunday and plan to play as scheduled, but as a precaution, the Jaguars will be conducting all football-related activities remotely.

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The Jaguars worked with the NFL to review tracing data while the player self-isolates.

The Jaguars are the fourth NFL team to deal with COVID issues in recent days, joining Atlanta, Indianapolis and New England.

The Patriots canceled practice Friday and later placed center James Ferentz on the reserve/COVID-19 list. He became the fifth player on the team to test positive for the virus.

The Colts had four positive tests that came up negative upon retesting. The Falcons returned to their facility one day after abandoning it because of a second positive.

New England already twice had the original Week 5 matchup against Denver postponed following four earlier positive coronavirus tests by players, including quarterback Cam Newton and cornerback Stephon Gilmore. The game is scheduled for Sunday in Foxborough, Massachusetts, but now could be in jeopardy.

Won’t play Sunday

Inactive players the Jaguars listed on Sunday morning include QB Jake Luton, WR Dede Westbrook, CB Luq Barcoo, DE Josh Allen, DT Abry Jones and DT Daniel Ekuale. The inactive list did not include Pro Bowl receiver DJ Chark. On Saturday, Coach Doug Marrone listed Chark as questionable for the game.

Chark missed a Week 3 game against Miami with a chest/back injury. He sprained an ankle last week at Houston and was limited to three receptions for 16 yards. He has 18 catches for 220 yards and three touchdowns this season.

Linebacker Myles Jack (ankle) and cornerback CJ Henderson (shoulder) were full go in practice on Friday and no longer listed on the injury report. Both sat out last week’s loss to the Texans.


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