Chiefs safety Tyrann Mathieu tests positive for COVID-19

Posted September 01, 2021 7:00 am

By DAVE SKRETTA

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) - All-Pro safety Tyrann Mathieu has tested positive for COVID-19 and was placed on the league's reserve list Wednesday, though he could be back with the team soon and available for Week 1 against Cleveland.

Mathieu is fully vaccinated, a person familiar with the situation told The Associated Press, and NFL rules released in July say that vaccinated players that test positive and are asymptomatic can return after two negative tests taken 24 hours apart.

The person spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity because players' vaccination details are not public knowledge.

The timing is fortunate in that the Chiefs planned to practice Thursday before taking the weekend off. They will resume their regular game week preparation next week for a divisional playoff rematch against the Browns on Sept. 12.

Mathieu has been an All-Pro each of his first two seasons in Kansas City. He's entering the final year of a $42 million, three-year contract, though both sides have expressed optimism in a long-term extension.

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Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Ihmir Smith-Marsette (15) runs with the ball as Kansas City Chiefs safety Tyrann Mathieu (32) defends during the first half of an NFL football game Friday, Aug. 27, 2021, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel) The Associated Press

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