The Denver Broncos canceled practice Thursday amid a new batch of players testing positive for COVID-19.
The Broncos later placed four players on the COVID-19 list — cornerback Bryce Callahan, cornerback Mike Ford, tackle Bobby Massie and outside linebacker Stephen Weatherly.
Coach Vic Fangio told reporters earlier the team had five positive tests, but one might be a false positive.
Thursday’s news came after four players, including starting receiver Tim Patrick, tested positive Wednesday.
Fangio said virtual meetings were set for Thursday afternoon.
“I think we needed to hit the pause button to get our hands on what is going on here,” Fangio said.
The team could hold practice on Friday and Saturday in advance of their game Sunday at the Los Angeles Chargers.
After Thursday’s test results, the Broncos (7-8) have reported 27 positive tests since Oct. 24.
Nose tackle Mike Purcell and center Lloyd Cushenberry III have been activated from the reserve/COVID-19 list and are expected to play Sunday.
The game against the Chargers (8-7) has playoff implications, but Los Angeles has a far better chance of earning a wild-card berth. While not officially eliminated, the Broncos have less than a 1 percent chance of advancing, The New York Times reported.
–Field Level Media
