Conflicting reports on how many Titans have tested positive for COVID-19

The Tennessee Titans have a total of nine players and coaches currently in the COVID-19 protocol, but there are conflicting reports about how many have tested positive for the virus, and how many are the result of being a close contact.

Earlier in the day, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that all nine of the players and coaches in the COVID-19 protocol are the result of positive tests, but The Tennessean’s Ben Arthur is reporting that is not the case.

From Arthur’s report:

The nine members of the Tennessee Titans known to be in COVID-19 protocols as of Thursday, including coach Mike Vrabel and special teams coordinator Craig Aukerman, are not all for positive tests, a source with direct knowledge of the situation told The Tennessean on Thursday. 

The source spoke on the condition of anonymity, as teams do not disclose whether a players’ placement on the Reserve/COVID-19 list is because of a positive test or quarantine as a result of close contact.

“Lot of fishing out there,” the source said of the report.

We do know that head coach Mike Vrabel tested positive, as he admitted on Sunday. Beyond him, however, it isn’t clear who tested positive or who is in the protocol as a result of being a close contact, as teams do not have to divulge that information publicly.

Tennessee Titans now have nine players and coaches who have tested positive, including QB Ryan Tannehill and HC Mike Vrabel, per sources.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) August 26, 2021

Along with Vrabel, special teams coach Craig Aukerman, quarterback Ryan Tannehill, linebackers Nick Dzubnar and Justin March-Lillard, tight end Geoff Swaim, outside linebacker Harold Landry, running back Jeremy McNichols, and defensive lineman Anthony Rush are all in the protocol.

Earlier in the day, general manager Jon Robinson said the team is 97 percent vaccinated. Players, coaches and staff are now all required to wear masks when inside the building.