Mile High Report - The latest on the NFL, the Denver Broncos and COVID-19. By Fans, For Fans....Your Source For Denver Broncos News and Commenthttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/50905/mhr-fav.png2021-04-13T13:03:34-06:00http://www.milehighreport.com/rss/stream/210891112021-04-13T13:03:34-06:002021-04-13T13:03:34-06:00Broncos players vote not to participate in voluntary offseason conditioning due to COVID-19
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<p>Although the vaccine is now readily available, players say they are concerned about safety protocols and a fourth wave.</p> <p id="5pNa0i">As the official NFL offseason conditioning work is getting ready to launch next week, the Denver Broncos players issued a statement via the NFLPA that they would not be participating due to ongoing concerns over COVID-19.</p>
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<p id="KIbpjo">The statement highlights that COVID-19 remains a threat in Colorado and that “it makes no sense for us as players to put ourselves at risk during this dead period.”</p>
<p id="Seg9lv">The statement also reveals that players have been infected at club facilities in recent weeks.</p>
<p id="xNolUp">Interestingly, the statement ends by referencing that “despite having a completely virtual offseason last year, the quality of play across the NFL was better than ever by almost every measure.”</p>
<p id="DARxS6">Ummmm...</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">"Despite having a completely virtual offseason last year, the quality of play across the NFL was better than ever, by almost every measure." <br><br>Drew Lock would have a word, sir........ <a href="https://t.co/uXBYNFazvU">https://t.co/uXBYNFazvU</a></p>— Jeffrey Essary (@JeffreyEssary) <a href="https://twitter.com/JeffreyEssary/status/1382037929867022338?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 13, 2021</a>
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<p id="I6e5bd">Despite the COVID-19 vaccine being widely available across the country right now and set to be available to every adult in the United States <a href="https://www.reuters.com/article/us-health-coronavirus-usa/all-american-adults-to-be-eligible-for-covid-19-vaccine-by-april-19-biden-idUSKBN2BT1IF">just a few days from now</a>, Broncos’ NFLPA rep Brandon McManus issued concerns about lackluster testing protocols, especially when players are going away on weekends or on vacation and coming back to the building, possibly spreading COVID-19.</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">McManus: “We work out (MON-THU) players leave on the weekend. How do you test to come back in the building? People take vacations out of the country and come back in and test positive and they’re amongst us. There’s been nothing agreed upon." (more) <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/9sports?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#9sports</a></p>— Mike Klis (@MikeKlis) <a href="https://twitter.com/MikeKlis/status/1382040401746464769?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 13, 2021</a>
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<p id="wDGpXA">The <a href="https://www.brproud.com/sports/nfl-to-restrict-employees-who-refuse-covid-19-vaccine-without-bona-fide-grounds/">NFL today informed teams</a> that any employee who refuses a COVID-19 vaccination without “bona fide medical or religious ground” will be barred access within the team facilities and won’t work directly with players.</p>
<p id="uuVMBv">“In light of expanded vaccine eligibility, it is appropriate now to take further steps to educate about and promote vaccine availability and acceptance within the NFL,” the league said in a statement.</p>
<p id="aswa8D">There has been no directive for NFL players. </p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">The NFL previously has said that vaccinations will not be mandated for players but will be encouraged and incentivized. An NFLPA source said at the time that was consistent with the conversations between the two sides to that point. <a href="https://t.co/oxcns820bd">https://t.co/oxcns820bd</a></p>— MarkMaske (@MarkMaske) <a href="https://twitter.com/MarkMaske/status/1382040706693337099?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 13, 2021</a>
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<p id="GvxL4j">Alexander Johnson has been vocal on social media with his own anti-vaccine opinions - along with other NFL players - so the league is likely avoiding a showdown by the athletes who ensure ticket sales.</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Hell nah!! I’m not with the COVID-19 excuses... Plan Pandemic!! <a href="https://t.co/DkAY476Zuy">https://t.co/DkAY476Zuy</a></p>— Alexander J Johnson (@Alexander_CB45) <a href="https://twitter.com/Alexander_CB45/status/1382039774106558464?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 13, 2021</a>
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<p id="64ZS3q">Although these workouts are always voluntary and a lot of players do their own workouts in the offseason, it would seem that a 5-11 team would be interested in implementing all the ways Americans learned to stop the spread of COVID-19 with masks, regular testing and now the vaccine.</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">The <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Broncos?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Broncos</a> have had 22 players work out at the facility this offseason, second only to the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Cowboys?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Cowboys</a> with 25, per source. A dozen teams have had 15 or more. So, while the NFLPA and players emphasize safety issues of returning to facilities, many are already there.</p>— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) <a href="https://twitter.com/TomPelissero/status/1382046341639991297?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 13, 2021</a>
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<p id="InvXTQ">George Stoia pointed out comments from several players earlier this year about the benefit of getting more live reps this offseason through OTAs and training camp.</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Here is what Drew Lock (top left), Bradley Chubb (top right), Justin Simmons (bottom left) and Tim Patrick (bottom right) had to say about the off-season workouts earlier this year: "...more reps in OTAs, more reps in training camp, and then go into a game super confident." <a href="https://t.co/AF5c6pefO4">pic.twitter.com/AF5c6pefO4</a></p>— George Stoia III (@GeorgeStoia) <a href="https://twitter.com/GeorgeStoia/status/1382047819482112004?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 13, 2021</a>
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<p id="xMNhj7">And Ryan O’Halloran noted that there have been no reported COVID-19 cases at the facility so far this offseason.</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Per league source, the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Broncos?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Broncos</a> have not had a COVID case traced to their building this offseason with more than 20 players opting to use their facility.<br><br>Teams keep log of players who are in and out of facility for health-and-safety purposes.</p>— Ryan O'Halloran (@ryanohalloran) <a href="https://twitter.com/ryanohalloran/status/1382049008344965121?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 13, 2021</a>
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https://www.milehighreport.com/2021/4/13/22382274/broncos-players-vote-not-to-participate-in-voluntary-offseason-conditioning-due-to-covid-19Laurie Lattimore-Volkmann2021-03-22T09:00:00-06:002021-03-22T09:00:00-06:00NFL plans to host fans, college prospects at the 2021 NFL Draft in Cleveland
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<figcaption>Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>It’s official. The NFL will host the 2021 NFL Draft in person in Cleveland, Ohio from April 29 to May 1. It’ll be a ‘back to normal’ type event.</p> <p id="fWWCAF">The NFL announced on Monday that the <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/nfl-draft">2021 NFL Draft</a> will resemble more of a pre-COVID type of event than the one we saw last year. There will be high profile college prospects, fans, and media in attendance during the three-day draft event from April 29 to May 1. </p>
<blockquote><p id="mr4nWa">“We are thrilled to be heading to Cleveland for the NFL Draft, which has become one of the most highly anticipated events in sports” said Peter O’Reilly, NFL Executive Vice President, Club Business & League Events<strong>.</strong> ”Just months after executing a safe and successful Super Bowl LV, we look forward to bringing the excitement of our Draft traditions to fans in collaboration with the Browns, Destination Cleveland, Greater Cleveland Sports Commission, the City of Cleveland, and all of our local Cleveland partners.”</p></blockquote>
<p id="ZJl30A">The biggest concern will obviously be how the NFL plans to keep people safe. Fans who are selected to attend the ‘Inner Circle presented by Subway’ will be required to be fully vaccinated to allowed admittance. Those fans will have front row seats to the NFL Draft.</p>
<p id="a9JTJa">This decision to move forward to host the 2021 NFL Draft in person has largely been driven by the vaccination rates in Ohio combined with what the NFL learned when hosting fans at Super Bowl LV in February. That data likely encouraged the NFL enough to move forward with additional in-person events this offseason. </p>
<blockquote><p id="UrCCmq">“We are thrilled for Cleveland to host this year’s NFL Draft and celebrate the hard-working and inspiring new Draft prospects, football’s great history, and our fans. It is even more special as we commemorate our 75th anniversary and have the opportunity to showcase the wonderful city of Cleveland to an international audience and to a responsible number of fans and visitors during the weekend,” said Dee and Jimmy Haslam, managing and principal partners of the Cleveland Browns. “We greatly appreciate the continued collaboration by the NFL, local and state government officials and medical experts who are all focused on creating a memorable and safe experience and we are also extremely encouraged by the state of Ohio’s vaccination rates and advancements that are allowing us to make the progress needed to return to a safe and more normal environment.”</p></blockquote>
<p id="H3x9a4">In the NFL’s announcement, they also assured the public that they would continue to work with public officials at both the state and local levels to ensure a safe event. They will be requiring face coverings and proper social distancing throughout the NFL Draft.</p>
<p id="glr74E">What do you think of this decision by the NFL to host this years’ draft in person?</p>
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https://www.milehighreport.com/2021/3/22/22344498/2021-nfl-draft-in-clevelandTim Lynch2021-01-18T04:00:00-07:002021-01-18T04:00:00-07:00NFL reportedly altering 2021 NFL Scouting Combine due to COVID-19
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<figcaption>Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>The NFL is finalizing a plan to run the 2021 NFL Scouting Combine in a way that is safe for all as the country continues to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic. </p> <p id="sFUews">Last offseason was a whirlwind of COVID-19 and lack of scientific knowledge surrounding the new disease. It’s been a year almost and the science behind this virus is strong enough for organizations like the NFL to begin laying out a framework to continue full operation despite the virus being nowhere near contained.</p>
<p id="ZEjMiF">Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated <a href="https://www.si.com/nfl/2021/01/16/nfl-scouting-combine-2021-drastically-altered-covid-19">broke down what that looks like</a> for the 2021 NFL Scouting Combine late last week. </p>
<p id="sNqy8W">It will not be 100% virtual, but there are plans to break things up into groups small enough to manage and contain the key factors with how COVID spreads. The key takeaways from Breer’s post about are:</p>
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<li id="hMDcIP">No group combine workout in Indianapolis.</li>
<li id="nQkBaM">Medical evaluations and physical workouts will be held separately.</li>
<li id="Ikqnpt">Teams can visit states where players are doing combine prep. 85% of player prospects are currently working out in Florida, California, Arizona, and Texas. </li>
<li id="u4jpik">Testing. Lots of it.</li>
<li id="zKUApy">Interviews will be conducted via Zoom rather than in person. </li>
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<p id="MYMQ50">So it sounds more like a lot of travelling for front office staff from each team, but a lot less travel and exposure for the player prospects themselves, which is ideal for the NFL to continue into its offseason program with as few COVID-19 outbreaks as possible. </p>
<h2 id="giE1kl">Broncos News</h2>
<aside id="7k3cVM"><div data-anthem-component="readmore" data-anthem-component-data='{"stories":[{"title":"‘This could be John Lynch’s time’: Pro Football Hall of Fame voter Ira Kaufman explains why Lynch belongs in Canton","url":"https://www.denverbroncos.com/news/this-could-be-john-lynch-s-time-pro-football-hall-of-fame-voter-ira-kaufman-deta"},{"title":"No debate needed: The Hall of Fame case for Peyton Manning","url":"https://www.denverbroncos.com/news/no-debate-needed-the-hall-of-fame-case-for-peyton-manning"},{"title":"The Latest On Jack Easterby’s Continued Deleterious Impact On The Texans","url":"https://www.battleredblog.com/real-actual-thought-provoking-houston-texans-analysis/2021/1/16/22234562/the-latest-on-jack-easterbys-continued-deleterious-impact-on-the-texans"},{"title":"Will the Broncos let Ed Donatell handle some defensive play-calling in 2021?","url":"https://broncoswire.usatoday.com/2021/01/17/denver-broncos-ed-donatell-should-handle-defensive-play-calling/"},{"title":"Sharks smell blood in the water with Deshaun Watson unrest with Texans","url":"https://texanswire.usatoday.com/2021/01/17/sharks-blood-water-deshaun-watson-unrest-texans/"},{"title":"How much cap space do the Denver Broncos have in 2021?","url":"https://dknation.draftkings.com/2021/1/17/22228889/denver-broncos-salary-cap-space-2021-contracts-free-agents-phillip-lindsay-aj-bouye"}]}'></div></aside><h2 id="ggUN4I">NFL News</h2>
<aside id="VDu52s"><div data-anthem-component="readmore" data-anthem-component-data='{"stories":[{"title":"Report: Eagles to interview Patriots OC Josh McDaniels for vacant HC job","url":"https://www.phillyvoice.com/eagles-coaching-candidates-patriots-oc-josh-mcdaniels-bill-belichick-head-coach-search-05888/"},{"title":"Chad Henne’s gutsy plays saved the Chiefs after Patrick Mahomes’ playoffs injury","url":"https://www.sbnation.com/nfl/2021/1/17/22236288/chad-henne-andy-reid-chiefs-vs-browns-nfl-playoffs-patrick-mahomes-injury"},{"title":"The Browns got hit with the dumbest rule in football vs. the Chiefs in the playoffs","url":"https://www.sbnation.com/nfl/2021/1/17/22236172/nfl-fumble-touchback-rule-browns-chiefs-playoffs-rashard-higgins"},{"title":"Aaron Rodgers is unstoppable and having fun doing it","url":"https://www.sbnation.com/nfl/2021/1/16/22235206/aaron-rodgers-packers-nfl-playoffs-rams"},{"title":"Taron Johnson just tied a 27-year-old record with this 101-yard interception return","url":"https://www.sbnation.com/nfl/2021/1/16/22235458/taron-johnson-101-yard-interception-return-bills-ravens"},{"title":"This incomplete 60-yard pass by Josh Allen is actually worth watching","url":"https://www.sbnation.com/nfl/2021/1/16/22235338/josh-allen-60-yard-pass-bills-ravens-nfl-playoffs"},{"title":"Tracking every NFL GM and head coaching change","url":"https://www.sbnation.com/nfl/2021/1/15/22232722/tracking-every-nfl-gm-and-head-coaching-change"}]}'></div></aside>
https://www.milehighreport.com/2021/1/18/22234602/nfl-alters-nfl-combine-due-to-covid-19Tim Lynch2020-12-07T09:06:07-07:002020-12-07T09:06:07-07:00Panthers close facilities after multiple COVID-19 positives
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<p>The Carolina Panthers have shut their facilities down Monday and Tuesday after two positive tests for COVID-19. </p> <p id="Cc3w11">The <a href="https://www.catscratchreader.com/">Carolina Panthers</a> appear to have a potential outbreak of COVID-19 to contend with as they emerge from their Bye Week. They have <a href="https://www.catscratchreader.com/2020/12/7/22158441/nfl-carolina-panthers-add-two-players-to-covid-19-list-and-shut-down-facilities-for-two-days">opted to close down their facilities</a> until Wednesday after two more positive tests came through over their weekend. </p>
<p id="s0ciOD">Last week, they placed defensive end Yetur Gross-Matos and defensive lineman Bruce Hector on the COVID-19 reserve list, so there will be two more joining them. Given the close proximity of the positives, this could indicate an outbreak so the decision to close things down could be an important one in terms of keeping the scheduled game in place.</p>
<p id="oQXsoq">This could impact the <a href="https://www.milehighreport.com">Denver Broncos</a> as they are scheduled to play the Panthers on Sunday. The Broncos may opt to delay travel plans depending on how this week goes with the Panthers as they continue stringent daily testing of their players. </p>
<p id="rGc82E">It feels early enough in the week, so hopefully these moves will preserve the scheduled game. We’ll have to keep an eye on this developing situation. </p>
https://www.milehighreport.com/2020/12/7/22158708/panthers-close-facilities-multiple-covid-19-positivesTim Lynch2020-11-27T18:39:11-07:002020-11-27T18:39:11-07:00The NFL needs strict policies for COVID-19
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<p>Brandon McManus has talked about the NFL needing a league-wide policy.</p> <div id="E6hPMI">
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<p id="Z4nNrm">I’m not an expert. I don’t purport to have all the answers. I know that a lot of difficult decisions are being made by a lot of people smarter than me.</p>
<p id="q1qMS1">But... </p>
<p id="ZhXo9C">The NFL has a covid problem. If you don’t want to be here for this, stop reading now. I won’t be offended.</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">There must be a universal rule for positive tests in the NFL. Can’t have each team do it differently. Will put players at ease with a definitive solution for each circumstance</p>— Brandon McManus (@thekidmcmanus) <a href="https://twitter.com/thekidmcmanus/status/1332020920467271680?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 26, 2020</a>
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<p id="ku2Xva">And I know that people have different opinions about this whole thing. I’m not here to tell you how you should think. I have my thoughts. I have expressed them on the MHR Radio Podcast, but one thing Ian and I talked about recently was exactly what Brandon McManus tweeted.</p>
<p id="hsIIRl">The NFL has to figure out some sort of league-wide policy. Broncos Country has already experienced the effects of what positive covid tests can have on a season. The Broncos essentially lost a bye week before playing the <a href="https://www.patspulpit.com/">Patriots</a>. </p>
<p id="qEAOrz">Not only that, but defensive coordinator Ed Donatell has been dealing with complications, and other coaches and players have tested positive in Denver. And the day after Thanksgiving, the Broncos closed the facility because of more positive tests.</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Returner Diontae Spencer is the Broncos' player who is going on the COVID reserve list per league source. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/9sports?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#9sports</a></p>— Mike Klis (@MikeKlis) <a href="https://twitter.com/MikeKlis/status/1332367875160600578?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 27, 2020</a>
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<p id="JnfOMk">The issue here is that the league has passed on taking any real responsibility. It has left protocols up to teams, but will hand out punishments if teams have covid outbreaks and they determine the people involved didn’t follow protocols.</p>
<p id="3dooU2">It’s confusing, frustrating, and hard on players, coaches, and staff. If there were some sort of league-wide policy in place, it would make things simpler across the board.</p>
<p id="9kAwCj">Obviously, every case, every outbreak, and every situation will be a little different. However, the issues in Baltimore caused the <a href="https://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/">Steelers-</a>Ravens game to be postponed. Now a premier player in the league, Lamar Jackson, has tested positive. </p>
<p id="dmfxfm">The problem is huge in Baltimore, and while not having a league-wide protocol allows the NFL to make decisions on a case-by-case basis, it also leaves teams vulnerable to making bad decisions, or suffering from the actions of other teams.</p>
<p id="WfvoYh">We have praised the Broncos at times for having protocols that seem to be effective. Even with strict rules and guidelines, the Broncos have been forced to close the facility multiple times. It has had a major impact on the season and the team’s development.</p>
<p id="oDjr2k">It does not matter what opinion people have about the virus. What matters is that the NFL has made it so there is no uniformity around it. Teams, players, and staff are unsure of what they should do, or what outcomes will be. It causes confusion. It leaves the door open for outbreaks. </p>
<p id="zeK86M">I’m all for recognizing that hard and fast rules can be unfair. I know that there probably is not a single answer to the problem. But when a team’s season is being affected because of what is happening in other cities, it’s time for the NFL to have some rigidity to its guidelines.</p>
<p id="Yica7w">The goal is to get through the 2020 season and hope to be back to normal in 2021. The NFL could usher that along by creating strict guidelines to ensure the season continues. </p>
<p id="N6pTJO">And then maybe Broncos Country can enjoy a resurgence in 2021.</p>
https://www.milehighreport.com/2020/11/27/21722697/the-nfl-needs-stricter-policies-covid-19Adam Malnati2020-11-20T10:42:53-07:002020-11-20T10:42:53-07:00Broncos announce Week 11 will be last home game with fans in 2020
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<p>Due to the rising cases in COVID-19, the Denver Broncos will not be allowing fans to attend game for the rest of 2020. </p> <p id="X0Zpvx">The <a href="https://www.milehighreport.com">Denver Broncos</a> announced on Friday that their Week 11 home game against the <a href="https://www.thephinsider.com/">Miami Dolphins</a> will be the final home game they will allow fans to attend in 2020. The recent spike in COVID-19 cases in Colorado and around the country made this decision necessary. The 5,700 fans that had been approved to attend will no longer be a thing after Week 11.</p>
<p id="5DcPjz">Fans who purchases single-game tickets for the upcoming home games against the <a href="https://www.canalstreetchronicles.com/">New Orleans Saints</a>, <a href="https://www.buffalorumblings.com/">Buffalo Bills</a>, and Las Vegas Raiderfs will be issued refunds. </p>
<p id="KKH8X2">The <a href="https://www.milehighreport.com/">Broncos</a> released a full statement below: </p>
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<p id="RRTuxH">In consultation with state officials and public health experts, the Denver Broncos have made the decision that Sunday will be the final game played in front of fans at Empower Field at Mile High this season.</p>
<p id="uMxWxo">Although we are confident in our strong safety protocols and have no evidence of any COVID-19 transmission traced to our home games, the increase in cases and hospitalizations locally requires us to adjust our future plans. Taking this precaution is consistent with the recent guidelines issued by local officials to limit gatherings with the holiday season approaching.</p>
<p id="BFtIQZ">Working in close partnership with the state, the Broncos are fully committed to keeping our community and team safe while doing our part to stop the spread of COVID-19. As we make this difficult decision, we want to recognize the dedication of our guest relations, stadium and part-time staff for safely and successfully hosting fans through our first five home games.</p>
<p id="CX4kG5">We are grateful for the support and flexibility of our fans during such a challenging year. It was important to us that fans have one final opportunity to attend a game on Sunday, especially with much of their planning already underway.</p>
<p id="rwcSFE">The Broncos look forward to welcoming back the best fans in the NFL to Empower Field at Mile High in 2021.</p>
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https://www.milehighreport.com/2020/11/20/21583219/broncos-attendance-covidTim Lynch2020-11-03T10:16:02-07:002020-11-03T10:16:02-07:00John Elway and Joe Ellis test positive for COVID-19
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<img alt="Denver Broncos v New York Jets" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/GP6t5gkf8oGJ1SDMHqv_V4R3Oy4=/0x0:1922x1281/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/67731861/1279062890.jpg.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>John Elway has tested positive for the Coronavirus. | Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Denver Broncos GM John Elway and CEO Joe Ellis have tested positive for COVID-19 it was reported on Tuesday. </p> <p id="tH8eIZ">According to 9News insider Mike Klis, <a href="https://www.milehighreport.com/">Denver Broncos</a> General Manager John Elway and CEO Joe Ellis have both tested positive for COVID-19.</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">COVID strikes top 2 Broncos executives: CEO Joe Ellis, GM John Elway learned early today they have tested positive for novel virus, per source. Team informed its employees this morning. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/9sports?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#9sports</a></p>— Mike Klis (@MikeKlis) <a href="https://twitter.com/MikeKlis/status/1323673088186343424?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 3, 2020</a>
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<p id="I2f3Q1">Elway has been the <a href="https://www.milehighreport.com/">Broncos</a>’ general manager since he returned to the franchise in 2011, while Ellis has been employed by the club since 1983 when he worked as the Director of Marketing. </p>
<p id="ZfeYJ3">The good news is that both of the Broncos’ executives should receive the best possible care available. What could be concerning is that both are in their 60s. Elway is 60-years old and Ellis is 61. Hopefully both find out the test was a false positive and they’re able to resume life, but it’s reassuring that they’re taking all necessary steps to keep others safe. </p>
<p id="KwMtt1">As I’ve said a few times now, I hope all our readers are doing what they can to keep themselves safe as Covid-19 cases have surged across the United States of America. Social distancing, masks, and the other precautions can seem like a bit of a hassle, but they’re all the tools we have to try and protect our loved ones in this pandemic. </p>
<p id="EeHKoD">The Broncos have issued the following statement: </p>
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<p id="UoGGhL">“Broncos President & CEO <strong>Joe Ellis</strong> as well as President of Football Operations/General Manager <strong>John Elway</strong> were informed this morning they tested positive for COVID-19.</p>
<p id="nRIHJ3">After not feeling 100 percent on Sunday morning, Joe promptly reported his symptoms to our medical team and watched Sunday’s game at home as a precaution. He continued to work from home on Monday before receiving a positive test result this morning.</p>
<p id="dlu10N">John immediately left UCHealth Training Center on Monday morning after experiencing minor symptoms that he quickly brought to the attention of our medical staff.</p>
<p id="O8RJB8">Other than mild symptoms, both Joe and John are doing well. They will continue to work from home in self-isolation and participate in virtual meetings while their health is monitored.</p>
<p id="qCr9DU">Based on a review of contact tracing data with the league, we are confident these cases originated independently outside team facilities. There were minimal close contacts identified for each (no players or coaches), and those individuals have been notified.</p>
<p id="yQlkYm">While our facilities are closed for Election Day, coaches are conducting their game preparations today remotely as a precaution. Our organization will remain in communication with the NFL, making all decisions in consultation with the league and based on guidance from medical experts.”</p>
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https://www.milehighreport.com/2020/11/3/21547804/breaking-john-elway-and-joe-ellis-test-positive-for-covid-19Just_JoRo2020-11-01T09:10:00-07:002020-11-01T09:10:00-07:00Broncos’ DC Ed Donatell placed under COVID-19 protocols
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<img alt="NFL: Denver Broncos-Practice" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/qTenqJoZOj55T-o9CLDygLhYGCk=/0x0:2429x1619/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/67722122/usa_today_14898258.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>The Denver Broncos will be without Defensive Coordinator Ed Donatell who has been placed under COVID-19 protocols. </p> <p id="UshvxS">The <a href="https://www.milehighreport.com">Denver Broncos</a> will be without their Defensive Coordinator for today’s game against the <a href="https://www.boltsfromtheblue.com/">Los Angeles Chargers</a>. Due to COVID-19 protocols, Ed Donatell will not be with the team. It is unknown if that means he has the coronavirus or if he has come into close contact with someone who does.</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Due to COVID-19 protocols, Broncos DC Ed Donatell will not coach in today’s game against the Chargers.</p>— Denver Broncos (@Broncos) <a href="https://twitter.com/Broncos/status/1322916645409452032?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 1, 2020</a>
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<p id="q9OvK1">Over the last two weeks, the <a href="https://www.milehighreport.com/">Broncos</a> have had three coaches placed on the COVID-19 protocol. The first was running backs coach Curtis Modkins two weeks ago, then offensive line coach Mike Munchak last week. </p>
<p id="mKrO2C">To add to that, one player also has been placed on the COVID/Reserve list in offensive guard Graham Glasgow. Two other players went into quarantine due to close contact with Glasgow, but both have tested negative in the two days since. </p>
<p id="5NKt0m">This is a concern development as the team works to prevent further infections. A one-off type thing is something a team can move on from, but it seems as though we might be see something more than that as the COVID-19 infections rise within the Broncos organization.</p>
https://www.milehighreport.com/2020/11/1/21544450/broncos-ed-donatell-covid-19-protocolsTim Lynch