Report: Multiple New Orleans Saints players test positive for COVID-19 ahead of game vs. Miami Dolphins

By Jason Simpson
Updated: December 23, 2021

Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports

Every game is a pivotal one for the Miami Dolphins right now, as the team can’t afford many (if any) hiccups for the remainder of the season.

The Dolphins are currently getting ready to face the New Orleans Saints in Week 16. New Orleans, however, seems to have more on its plate than just game prep. The team is reportedly dealing with a COVID-19 outbreak.

“Another outbreak of COVID has hit the New Orleans Saints this week, with multiple players testing positive in recent days, including backup quarterback Trevor Siemian, multiple sources said Thursday,” wrote Jeff Duncan of NOLA.com.

“In addition to Siemian, other members of the Saints business operations and players have tested positive in recent days, forcing the Saints to consider holding virtual team meetings instead of in-person Thursday in an attempt to limit the spread of infection, sources said. The Saints are scheduled to conduct a practice on Thursday afternoon. The identity of the other infected players was unknown on Thursday morning.”

This will certainly be an interesting story to monitor as Miami’s matchup with New Orleans approaches. The game is scheduled for Monday, but if the Saints’ virus situation worsens, the NFL has shown that it’s not afraid to move games.

For now, however, nothing has been reported regarding a potential scheduling change. Assuming the game is indeed played on Monday, the Dolphins will seemingly find themselves facing a shorthanded Saints team.

At 7-7, the Dolphins have successfully gotten back into playoff contention. However, the team still has plenty of work to do if it wants to steal a postseason bid.

Miami has three games remaining. A 3-0 finish would obviously do wonders for the team’s playoff hopes.