Some Titans Players Broke COVID Protocols, Held Workouts amid Outbreak

After the Tennessee Titans closed their facility as a result of positive COVID-19 tests, multiple players broke NFL protocol and held a workout at nearby Montgomery Bell Academy, according to Paul Kuharsky, who shared photos of the unauthorized gathering.  

Steve Layman of NewsChannel 5 reported there were 15 players in attendance at the workout last Wednesday, one day after there were eight positive tests within the organization. Quarterback Ryan Tannehill was among the players at the workout, per Kuharsky.  

Montgomery Bell headmaster Brad Gioia confirmed the workout to Chris Harris of WSMV, noting Tannehill called the school's coaches to ask for permission.

Kuharsky later shared a photo of a separate workout held by the Titans' defensive backs on the same day:

Albert Breer of TheMMQB reported the NFL used the photos as part of a conference call with head coaches and general managers on Monday.

According to Turron Davenport of ESPN, Titans players were not told they were banned from such gatherings until the day after the sessions were held.

The Titans had two more positive tests on Wednesday, per ESPN's Dan Graziano, bringing the total to 22 players and team personnel. Receiver Corey Davis was placed on the COVID reserve list Wednesday, per Ian Rapoport of NFL Network.

While the league could consider discipline against the team, forfeiting is not being considered as an option, according to Judy Battista of NFL.com. The league added forfeit as a possible punishment for breaking COVID-19 protocols in a memo sent out Tuesday, per Kuharsky.

Tannehill had previously indicated he needed time to work out in order to be prepared for the team's upcoming games.

"You can't sit around on the couch for a week and be on a Zoom meeting and expect to go be at a physical peak on a Sunday, or whenever the game is going to be," the Pro Bowler said last Thursday, per Erik Bacharach of The Tennessean.

Tennessee offensive lineman Rodger Saffold and defensive lineman Jeffery Simmons responded to the report on Twitter:

The Titans' Week 4 game against the Pittsburgh Steelers was postponed to Week 7, but the team is currently scheduled to face the Buffalo Bills on Sunday. This game likely remains in jeopardy with the facility still closed.

The NFL has strengthened its COVID-19 protocols as a result of recent outbreaks. In addition to the Titans, the New England Patriots, Kansas City Chiefs and Las Vegas Raiders have had positive tests.

The league is investigating the Titans to determine the source of the outbreak, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. Officials reportedly believe the spread began with the coaching staff and that there was a failure to report symptoms and wear masks.