Eagles’ Lane Johnson tests positive for coronavirus; Nate Gerry, Jordan Mailata also on COVID-19 reserve list
The Pro Bowl lineman issued a statement on Twitter with the news of his positive test, saying he feels “strong and ready to go.”
Eagles offensive tackle Lane Johnson tested positive for coronavirus and was placed on the Reserve/COVID-19 list Wednesday.
The Pro Bowl lineman posted the news of his positive test on Twitter, saying he feels “strong and ready to go.”
Along with Johnson, the Eagles placed linebacker Nathan Gerry and offensive tackle Jordan Mailata on the list.
Being placed on the list doesn’t always indicate a positive test, though. Players can also be placed on the list when they’ve been in close contact with someone who has the virus. Players on the list must quarantine for an extended time and pass multiple tests before rejoining the team.
Johnson attended the OL Masterminds Summit, his annual clinic for NFL linemen, this month in Dallas. About 50 players were scheduled to attend the clinic, according to multiple reports.
“Over the past few months, I have tested negative after all travels, including before and after the OL Masterminds Summit 18 days ago,” Johnson said in the post. “I have been working hard in preparation for a long, grueling season and have tried to take all the necessary precautions to build a safe and healthy environment during the sessions. I have and will continue to take this seriously and will encourage everyone else to do so as well.”
Johnson, a three-time Pro Bowler and 2017 All-Pro, has held the offensive line clinic each of the last three offseasons with his former college line coach, Duke Manyweather. Videos on social media showed several players in tight quarters, some without masks.
Johnson said he would follow the league protocols for infected players and is looking “forward to joining my teammates and coaches soon.”
It’s unclear whether Gerry and Mailata have tested positive for the virus, and the Eagles are not permitted to comment on test results beyond placement on the COVID-19 list. Gerry started 12 games at linebacker last season, and his 78 tackles were second to Malcolm Jenkins’ 81.
Mailata spent most of last season on injured reserve, but he is expected to compete for a role as a backup tackle this season.
Unlike Mailata, Johnson’s role with the team is well-established and won’t be affected by time missed during training camp. He’s become one of the best right tackles in the league since the Eagles took him No. 4 overall in the 2013 NFL Draft.
Johnson’s biggest training-camp assignment this year will be meshing with Jason Peters. Peters is shifting from left tackle to right guard in relief of Pro Bowler Brandon Brooks, who tore his left Achilles tendon last month.