Chiefs’ Tyrann Mathieu remains in COVID protocol
On Monday, Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid told media he’s still waiting for star safety Tyrann Mathieu to clear COVID protocols.
The Kansas City Chiefs have a huge game on Sunday. Will Tyrann Mathieu be there?
While there’s still a full week ahead, the Chiefs aren’t sure. In his latest presser, head coach Andy Reid talked about the situation and said Mathieu remains in the COVID-19 league protocol. For vaccinated players, which Mathieu is, as first reported by FanSided, a player must be without symptoms for two days and then have consecutive negative tests.
With the Week 1 game against the Cleveland Browns at Arrowhead Stadium still six days away, there’s plenty of reason to believe the First-Team All-Pro will be there. According to Nate Taylor of The Athletic, the Chiefs are internally optimistic about the prospect.
My understanding is Chiefs safety Tyrann Mathieu is vaccinated.
— Matt Verderame (@MattVerderame) September 1, 2021
This would be mean he's eligible to return to team once he records consecutive negative COVID tests if asymptomatic
Andy Reid said Tyrann Mathieu is still in the NFL's COVID protocol.
— Nate Taylor (@ByNateTaylor) September 6, 2021
The Chiefs are optimistic that Mathieu could rejoin the team in time for Wednesday's practice.
Tyrann Mathieu remains in COVID-19 protocol for the Chiefs
The news of Mathieu first being placed on the Reserve/COVID-19 list came out late last week. Had he not been vaccinated, the team captain would have been right up against the deadline for having a minimum 10-day quarantine, testing negative and still being able to play.
However, with Mathieu being responsible along with almost all of his other teammates, he gives himself a much shorter road back. While COVID isn’t something many fans — and believe me, reporters — want to continue discussing, whether a player gets the jab is a huge competitive advantage. We’re seeing that with Mathieu’s timeline.
For Kansas City, it’s a critical Week 1 game against the Browns, who are one of their main rivals in the AFC. Over at WynnBet, the Chiefs are six-point favorites.