Mike Daniels tests positive, as Bengals scramble to identify close contacts

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Throughout the season, the NFL has worried that teams without post-season opportunities have COVID-19 issues. The day before Week 17, one of the eliminated teams suddenly had a problem.

PFT has confirmed that Bengals defensive lineman Mike Daniels has tested positive. The first report came from NFL Media.

The Bengals are currently engaged in the usual search for post-positive contacts. A source familiar with the situation tells PFT the Bengals are concerned that up to 10 players could be considered “close contact” with Daniels and placed on the COVID-19 reserve list.

Even if 10 players and Daniels miss Sunday’s game against the Ravens, the game will continue. The NFL has made it clear, both in words and in deeds, that games will not be delayed for competitive reasons.

As reported yesterday, it’s unclear how many players are expected to be down before the league concludes that a team does not have enough players. However, the number of players the league deems necessary to continue is likely much closer to 11 than the full complement of 69 players available on the roster and practice squad.