A small number of Dallas Cowboys players have tested positive for the coronavirus, according to multiple sources, and a source said a few Houston Texans have also tested positive.
Agent Rocky Arceneaux told NFL Network that Pro Bowl running back Ezekiel Elliott tested positive but is feeling good.
Elliott later questioned on Twitter why his medical information was made public by referencing the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act.
HIPAA ??
— Ezekiel Elliott (@EzekielElliott) June 15, 2020
HIPAA's privacy rule, which prevents the disclosure of medical information without patient approval, only applies to health care providers.
None of the Cowboys players had been at The Star, the team's facility, during the offseason, per league rules. The team has been in consistent contact with the players and the club has an infectious disease consultant on its medical staff. A source said one player had flu-like symptoms late last week but was feeling better, and the other players tested have been asymptomatic.
"Due to federal and local privacy laws, we are unable to provide information regarding the personal health of any of our employees," the Cowboys said in a statement. "We are following all CDC, local and NFL guidelines to keep our facilities safe, including limiting employee access."
The NFL has allowed players who needed rehab from injuries and surgeries to be at team facilities throughout the offseason. The offseason program has been hosted virtually, with players attending meetings via their computers, and they have been working out on their own.
It's not clear how the players contracted the virus.