:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/67647718/usa_today_14862625.0.jpg)
According to Mike Klis of 9News, the Denver Broncos have their first reported case of COVID-19 since the 2020 regular season began as they learned that running backs coach Curtis Modkins has tested positive for the illness.
Per source, it is believed Modkins came in contact with a family member who had COVID-19. Modkins promptly reported his situation to the Broncos’ infection control officers, then self-isolated away from the Broncos’ facility for five days. He also went through daily PCR testing, the results of which continually came back negative.
He will not travel with the team for their game with the New England Patriots on Sunday, nor will his son, Jett Modkins, who is a coaching intern with the Broncos.
The team quickly released a statement regarding Modkins situations and what the team plans to do.
“Early this morning, we learned that running backs coach Curtis Modkins tested positive for COVID-19. He will not accompany the team to New England for Sunday’s game against the Patriots.
“Curtis is currently at home in self-isolation and experiencing no symptoms. We have evaluated close contacts, administered necessary point of care testing (no positive COVID-19 results), and implemented additional health and safety measures at UCHealth Training Center, per NFL/NFLPA protocols.
“The Broncos remain in regular communication with the league office, NFL chief medical officer Dr. Allen Sills and team medical staff. We will take all necessary precautions to ensure the safety of our team, opponents and community.”
They believe Modkins contracted COVID-19 outside of the facility and that they caught it before he could have infected anyone inside the building.
Broncos medical team and executives have been working with league (Dr. Sills) on Modkins situation/contact tracing since 4 am Mountain. With Modkins getting COVID outside headquarters and after analyzing contact tracing data, team confident all safety precautions are in place.
— Mike Klis (@MikeKlis) October 17, 2020
If that contact tracing shows Modkins contracted COVID-19 from outside the building, then the probability of the game moving forward is good. However, this is still so much we don’t know about how the disease spreads. We can only hope this isn’t a beginning of an outbreak of their own here in Dove Valley.