Lack of NFL bubble stings league again as NY Giants hit by COVID-19

Four of the New York Giants' five starting offensive lineman did not practice after one of them tested positive for COVID-19 and went into isolation.

Left guard Will Hernandez, who has started every game since being drafted in 2018, was placed on the Reserve/COVID-19 list late Thursday afternoon. He is in isolation.

Three other starters were told to stay home: tackles Andrew Thomas and Cam Fleming and center Nick Gates. Two backup linemen also were told to stay away: center Spencer Pulley and rookie guard Shane Lemieux.

The only starter at practice was right guard Kevin Zeitler.

Coach Joe Judge is hoping to get most of his lineman back for Monday night's game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

The team practiced wearing face shields and masks. The post-practice meeting was held virtually.

The Giants learned of the positive result Wednesday night and contact tracing began.

"Late last night, we were notified that a Giants player tested positive for COVID-19," the Giants said in a statement.

"The player was immediately self-isolated, and the contact tracing process was initiated.

"All of the player's close contacts were identified and were informed to remain home today. Those individuals will participate in meetings remotely."

On Tuesday, Giants coach Joe Judge said he had spoken with quarterback Daniel Jones and several other players about a video taken last weekend in which they were shown without masks in public. Judge said the team would handle the matter internally.

Jones, injured running back Saquon Barkley, receiver Sterling Shepard and other players had dinner at a New York City restaurant in private. Afterward, some went to a closed bar at the invitation of the owner. They were filmed there without masks. None of those players is involved in the current COVID-19 incident.

Meantime, an unidentified Los Angeles Chargers player tested positive for COVID-19, but the team facility remains open leading to Sunday's road game against the Denver Broncos.

The team was notified Wednesday night and said the player immediately went into quarantine. The Chargers identified the player's close contacts, and they will remain home. All team meetings will be held virtually.

This is the first time a Chargers player has tested positive since the league's daily testing started during training camp. Coach Anthony Lynn had COVID-19 in June.