Bucs’ Monday night game uncertain after Giants player tests positive for coronavirus

It’s possible that for a second straight week, a Bucs game slated for prime time could be rescheduled after an opposing player tested positive for COVID-19.

The New York Giants received word late Wednesday night that one of their players received a positive test result, the team said in a statement.

The Bucs are scheduled to play the Giants this week on Monday Night Football. It was not immediately known whether the game would be scheduled or for when.

Here is the full statement from the Giants:

“Late last night, we were notified that a Giants player tested positive for COVID-19. 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. We are working closely with the NFL’s Chief Medical Officer regarding next protocol steps.

“Quest Diagnostics Training Center will remain open, and the rest of the team will follow their normal practice and meeting schedule.”

The Giants learned of the positive test Wednesday night and contact tracing began. The player’s close contacts were identified and told to remain home Thursday and participate in meetings remotely. The rest of the team was following normal practice and meeting schedules at the team facility.

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.

Last week, the Bucs were scheduled to play the Raiders on Sunday Night Football, but the game was moved to 4:05 p.m. after Las Vegas offensive lineman Trent Brown tested positive for COVID-19 and the Raiders sent home their entire offensive line as a precaution.

It appeared that the NFL did not want to risk a last-minute cancellation of one of its prime-time games.