Kansas City — The Kansas City Chiefs have placed three offensive players on reserve/COVID-19 list, as they continue preparations for their NFL Week 11 game against the Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday.
Kansas City added three starting left tackle Eric Fisher, starting right tackle Mitchell Schwartz and recently-activated tackle Martinas Rankin on the reserve/COVID-19 list, according to the NFL’s official transaction report.
However, this doesn’t mean the three players placed on the list tested positive for COVID-19 – given that anyone who comes into close contact with a person who has tested positive for the virus must also quarantine.
In fact, according to National Insider for NFL Network and NFL.com Ian Rapoport, “Fisher, at least, is a COVID-19 close contact.” Rapoport noted that he could still play this week if he gets cleared within the five day period.
It is understood that Schwartz also came into close contact with someone with the virus, rather than testing positive.
The trio now join wide receiver Mecole Hardman and practice squad defensive tackle Braxton Hoyett on the team’s reserve/COVID-19 list. Both Hardman and Hoyett were placed on the list last week.
If the trio and especially Schwartz, who missed the last three games with a back injury – are unavailable for this weekend’s Sunday Night Football game, it would leave the Chiefs dangerously thin at the offensive tackle position.
It is believed Kansas City is now looking at the likes of undrafted free agent Yasir Durant and Mike Remmers as the starters at tackle, while Bryan Witzmann could possibly be a backup.
Today’s news came on the back of the Kansas City Chiefs asking the NFL to investigate the NFLPA, following a union representative reportedly failing to follow COVID-19 guidelines at the team facility.
