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The Kansas City Chiefs have placed wide receiver Mecole Hardman on the reserve/COVID-19 list, as first reported by ESPN’s Field Yates.
The Chiefs have placed WR Mecole Hardman on the Reserve/COVID-19 list.
— Field Yates (@FieldYates) November 11, 2020
As a reminder, Hardman’s placement on the list does not necessarily mean that he has tested positive for COVID-19. The news came shortly after Yates’ ESPN colleague, Adam Schefter, reported that the Chiefs asked the NFL to launch a COVID protocol-related inquiry with the NFL Players Association (NFLPA).
2/2 Concern is this is a violation of NFL-NFLPA protocols and the rep is not subject to same testing as players and personnel and regularly travels among clubs, per source. NFL and team believes this created unnecessary risk of exposure to players and staff. https://t.co/XG8b60qFUb
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) November 11, 2020
Schefter later added that the NFLPA had been made aware of the situation and took action. It is unclear as of this writing if the two matters are related.
The Chiefs are currently in the midst of their Week 10 bye week, with their next game scheduled for Sunday, November 22, against the Las Vegas Raiders.
Chiefs head coach Andy Reid told media members Monday that he encouraged the players to stay away from the practice facility to rest, though they would be going through coronavirus testing daily at an on-site trailer.
In nine games this season, Hardman has 25 catches for 395 yards and three touchdowns.