Mike Vrabel believes the team can move forward, despite his positive COVID-19 test. He is proud of the way his team performed vs. Buccaneers. (1:12).
NASHVILLE (Tenn.) -- Tennessee Titans coach Mike Vrabel announced that he had tested positive for COVID-19 on Sunday.
This news comes after the Titans participated in joint practices last week with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, before facing them in Week 2.
Vrabel stated that he would be retested on Monday. He is currently being held in quarantine.
Vrabel stated that you must have at least two negative tests within 48 hours. "If this happens, then I can go back in the building. If that doesn't happen, then I will have to wait for 10 days.
Sources told ESPN's Jenna Laine that the Buccaneers are still waiting for contact tracing. Each coach, player, and staff member must wear a contact trace chip that tracks their proximity to others. It also records how long they have been there. According to NFL protocols, the next steps for close contacts will be different for those who have been vaccinated or not.
Bruce Arians, Bucs coach, stated that the team would have 92% vaccinations by Aug. 13, and that he expected close to 100% by the beginning of the regular season.
Vrabel texted the players to inform them that he had tested positive before his Zoom conference. No other coaches have been positive as of yet. All Titans coaches who come in contact with players are vaccinated.
Vrabel stated that he was feeling some symptoms and asked for a test.
"I felt a little sore in my throat and a slight ache in my ears so I decided to go to the facility to get tested. Vrabel stated that I stayed in my car until I received the results. He confirmed that I had COVID. I took the first test, and it was positive. The second test was positive. "I had a PCR test performed, which was positive and will be back tomorrow."
Vrabel mentioned Craig Aukerman, special teams coach, as one of those coaches who can be relied on to oversee team operations while Aukerman is gone.
Vrabel stated, "I'm certain I'll participate in the Zoom meetings but I'm comfortable talking with Craig Aukerman who's touched many players in special team meetings along with Jim Haslet [and defensive assistant Jim] Schwartz," Vrabel. I'll be working through many of these things. Team and coaching staff are confident that we will handle any situation and make the right decisions, no matter what.
Last season, the Titans were hit by a COVID-19 epidemic that saw 11 players and 11 team personnel become positive within a short time span. Vrabel stated that the Titans had been through this before and will continue to pay attention to the health of the team members as well as their families.
Monday, January 15, at 1:15 PM ET, the Titans will resume practice. The Buccaneers will practice Monday at 2:05 p.m. ET. ET
