Giants put RB Saquon Barkley, S Xavier McKinney on COVID list
The New York Giants placed star running back Saquon Barkley and safety Xavier McKinney on the reserve/COVID-19 list Wednesday amid fears of an outbreak.
The Giants were testing all personnel for COVID-19 after running backs coach Burton Burns tested positive.
The New York Post reported there was a long line outside the team testing trailer that consisted of players, coaches, front office staff and even the Giants' co-owners. Both vaccinated and unvaccinated personnel were being tested.
Burns was one of 13 members of the organization to test positive Tuesday, and upon a retest, all but Burns came back negative. Still, coach Joe Judge said several Giants players, whom he did not name, would miss practice Wednesday for COVID-19 protocols.
USA Today reported three players were held out of practice for COVID-19 reasons -- Barkley, McKinney and guard Matt Skura. All tested positive in rapid testing and were awaiting results of the further testing done by the Giants.
All vaccinated players would need to test negative twice, 24 hours apart, to return to the team. Barkley is vaccinated and could still play Sunday, though he's missed the past three games with a sprained ankle.
Speaking to reporters spread out in the parking lot of the team facility, Judge told reporters that Burns was apologetic for the positive test but that he didn't need to be. He said Burns doesn't go anywhere but to work and home.
"You don't have to go somewhere to catch it," Judge said. "It'll come to you."
The Giants (2-6) are scheduled to host the Las Vegas Raiders (5-2) on Sunday, before having a bye week.
Burns will miss the game against the Raiders. Freddie Kitchens and Jody Wright will coach the running backs in his absence.
--Field Level Media
