Eagles head coach Doug Pederson tests positive for COVID-19

Doug Pederson is the second NFL head coach to test positive for COVID-19.

Doug Pederson becomes the second NFL head coach to come down with the coronavirus.

According to ESPN’s Tim McManus, “Eagles coach Doug Pederson has tested positive for the coronavirus, according to sources. He relayed the news to the team tonight after a second positive test confirming the news.”

McManus added, “Pederson is asymptomatic and feeling fine, a source said. A staffer who was in close contact with Pederson was also sent home.” He finished his series of tweets with, “Doug Pederson, 52, is the second known head coach to test positive, along with Sean Payton. It is believed that he contracted the virus outside the building.”

Doug Pederson is the first NFL head coach to contract COVID-19 in-season.

New Orleans Saints head coach Sean Payton was the first NFL head coach to come down with the coronavirus several months ago. It is said that Payton contracted the virus during Mardi Gras down in New Orleans days before the entire country shutdown back in mid-March. Payton has made a full recovery and will coach the Saints in a loaded in NFC South division this season.

As for Pederson, his contraction of the virus may send shockwaves through the Philadelphia Eagles organization. At least one other staffer had to be sent home and self-quarantine after being around Pederson for lengthy periods. While it is believed Pederson contracted the virus from outside of the Eagles building, this team will be thoroughly looked at in the coming days or weeks.

While the virus is more common than we initially realized back in March, this is more proof that it’s not going away anytime soon. We’re living in a world where we have to be incredibly careful in how we combat and manage this virus. For now, Pederson will have to go into quarantine and follow the NFL’s protocol for a positive test without symptoms.

Since this was Pederson’s second positive test, he will have to self-isolate for 10 days since the date of his first positive test or he can return after five days, as long has he has two consecutive negative PCR test results conducted at least 24 hours apart from the initial five-day period. So for at least the next week to 10 days, don’t expect to see Pederson at the Eagles facility.

Here’s to a speedy recovery for the Super Bowl-winning head coach of the Eagles.