Rams' Andrew Whitworth, Family All Test Positive for COVID-19
July 18, 2020
Los Angeles Rams offensive lineman Andrew Whitworth said Friday his family tested positive for COVID-19.
Kevin Patra of NFL.com reported the group, which includes Whitworth, his wife, their kids and his in-laws, contracted the coronavirus after a family member went out to lunch with a friend.
"It was definitely a scary thing, and [you] realize how contagious this is," he told reporters.
Whitworth added he wanted to make his story public to showcase how quickly COVID-19 can spread from a previously standard interaction, per Patra.
"It doesn't take much, and it can spread like wildfire," he said.
The latest numbers from the NFL Players Association show 65 active players have tested positive for the coronavirus as of Friday.
Whitworth becomes the second Rams player to have his diagnosis publicly announced, joining center Brian Allen, who recovered after testing positive in late March.
The 38-year-old Louisiana native signed a three-year, $30 million contract extension with L.A. in April. He's expected to remain the starter at left tackle to protect quarterback Jared Goff's blind side.
His short-term availability may come into question, with the NFL still aiming to open training camps July 28 amid the pandemic.
The league and union remain in discussions about several topics that could delay the start of camp, however, and COVID-19 cases are rising nationwide, to further complicate the situation.
Los Angeles is scheduled to open the regular season Sept. 13 against the Dallas Cowboys.
Chandler Brewer and Bobby Evans would compete to fill the void if Whitworth is unavailable whenever the Rams begin preparations for the 2020 season.