According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, four members of the Minnesota Vikings either have COVID-19 or have been exposed to it. These four are tackle Blake Brandel, safety Brian Cole, offensive lineman Tyler Higby, and first-round wide receiver Justin Jefferson. Jefferson is easily the biggest name on the list and figured to be the starter opposite Adam Thielen.
Four Vikings, including their first-round pick, are being placed on the reserve/COVID list. It doesn’t mean they have it; they may have just been exposed to it. They haven’t had any contact with trainer Eric Sugarman, who tested positive over the weekend. No overlap there. pic.twitter.com/iLoyJClyGt
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) July 27, 2020
Justin Jefferson Among Four Minnesota Vikings On COVID List
It’s worth noting that this doesn’t necessarily mean that any of the four players have the virus. According to NFL rules, anyone that tests positive or has been exposed to somebody that tests positive is eligible for this list. Seeing as teams aren’t asked to disclose the exact details regarding the cases, it’s impossible to say whether or not any of these players currently have COVID-19.
First-round pick wide receiver Justin Jefferson is easily the biggest name on this list. After trading Stefon Diggs to the Buffalo Bills, the Vikings selected Jefferson with the intent of having him contribute right out of the gate. The LSU product was instrumental to his teams’ success last season, recording 111 receptions for 1,540 yards and a staggering 18 touchdowns. Obviously, it’s far too early to speculate on whether or not Jefferson and company will be ready for the start of the 2020 season.
Blake Brandel is another rookie to, unfortunately, succumb to the reserve/COVID list. Selected late in the sixth round of the 2020 NFL Draft, Brandel is expected to fight for one of the depth spots along the offensive line. Brian Cole was an even later pick, coming off the board with the 249th overall selection in the 2020 NFL Draft. Unless he can make an impact on special teams, he’ll have a hard time making the roster. Not to be confused with the tight end for the Los Angeles Rams, Tyler Higby is an undrafted free agent out of Michigan State. Like Cole, he’ll have an uphill battle to make the roster.
