ENGLEWOOD, Colo. -- Denver Broncos guard Graham Glasgow tested positive for COVID-19 and the team canceled its practice Friday as the Broncos await news on whether there are any more positive test results before Sunday's scheduled game against the Los Angeles Chargers in Denver.
Team sources confirmed Glasgow's test on Friday and said two other players -- tackle Demar Dotson and guard Austin Schlottmann -- were told to isolate as "close contacts'' to Glasgow. Friday morning's results revealed that Dotson and Schlottmann each tested negative, and if they test negative a second time they would be eligible to play Sunday.
Glasgow took to Twitter Friday afternoon: "Hey everybody. I appreciate all the well wishes. Feeling pretty good right now. I'm hoping to stay healthy through this and get back out on the field as soon as I can. Until then, stay safe and go Broncos!''
We've placed G Graham Glasgow on the Reserve/COVID-19 list.
— Denver Broncos (@Broncos) October 30, 2020
Because the Broncos were already working under the league's enhanced protocols after running backs coach Curtis Modkins tested positive earlier this month -- protocols that include additional face shields worn in the facility as well as on the helmets at practice -- Broncos coach Vic Fangio had been given clearance from the league to practice Friday. But as a precaution, Fangio elected to keep the players away from the team's facility Friday and instead practice Saturday.
Sunday's game with the Chargers is still set to be played -- kickoff is at 2:05 p.m. Mountain Time.
The team received notification of Glasgow's positive test early Friday morning, a result from the test Glasgow was given when he arrived to the team's complex Thursday.
"We were informed early this morning that a Broncos player has tested positive for COVID-19,'' the Broncos said in a statement Friday. "The player is at home in self-isolation along with two other players who were determined to be close contacts. Our organization, which has been operating under the league's intensive protocols, is in consultation with the NFL and taking guidance from medical experts. ... The team is scheduled to return to UCHealth Training Center for practice [Friday]. The health and safety of the players, coaches and staff will continue to be of the highest priority.''
Already this week Broncos offensive line coach Mike Munchak was isolating away from the team, per the NFL's COVID-19 protocols, and has not been in meetings or attended practice this week. Fangio has not said whether Munchak has tested positive for COVID-19 or was in close contact with someone who did.
Jake Rodgers is expected to start at right tackle if Dotson is ruled out -- Rodgers worked at right tackle in Wednesday's practice when Dotson was given a rest day. Schlottmann would likely start for Glasgow if Schlottmann tests negative a second time.
If Schlottmann is also ruled out, rookie Netane Muti would be next in line to play at right guard if he doesn't test positive over the next two days and is deemed not to be a close contact.
The Chargers had announced Thursday that offensive lineman Ryan Groy had tested positive for COVID-19, and Fangio was asked after Thursday's practice if that test had impacted Sunday's game.
"No, we just keep going for a Sunday kickoff until told otherwise. From what little I know about it -- I didn't find out about it until right before [Thursday's] practice -- I don't think it would change the game at all.''
It isn't the first time this season the Broncos have altered their practice or game schedule due to the virus. They had a 17-day gap between their Oct. 1 game against the New York Jets and their game against the New England Patriots after multiple Patriots players, including quarterback Cam Newton, had tested positive for COVID-19.
Modkins did not travel to the Oct. 18 game against the Patriots because he had tested positive for COVID-19 earlier that week. Modkins had just returned to practices and meetings this week.