Vikings rookie Justin Jefferson on COVID-19 reserve list, while head trainer tests positive for COVID-19

The Vikings announced late on Monday afternoon that four rookies, including first round pick WR Justin Jefferson have been placed on the Reserve/COVID-19 list. That means that the players are either a) positive, or b) are in quarantine after being in close contact with someone who tested positive. Clubs do not need to disclose which it is.

The other players on that list are OL Blake Brandel, S Brian Cole II, and OL Tyler Higby.

The Vikings also said Monday that Head Athletic Trainer and Vice President of Sports Medicine and the team’s Infection Control Officer Eric Sugarman, along with members of his family, tested positive for COVID-19.

It comes with the team’s veterans set to report for Training Camp on Tuesday.

The organization said it has followed protocol and notified all who were in close contact with Sugarman, and those people have been tested. Sugarman hasn’t had recent contact with players and no additional cases within the team’s front office have been identified, the Vikings said.

According to the Vikings, Sugarman will continue to fulfill his role virtually as much as possible but other staff will assist where necessary.

Sugarman issued the following statement:

"This weekend my family and I tested positive for COVID-19. We immediately quarantined and began to follow the established protocols. At this time we are all doing fine and experiencing only mild symptoms.

"I have an immense amount of pride in the effort I have personally put forth to protect the NFL family, the Minnesota Vikings organization and our community with thoughtfulness and decision-making based on the current science over these last four months. I am humble to be serving in that capacity as it has been some of the most rewarding work of my career. But as I sit here in quarantine, it is clear this virus does not discriminate. It should continue to be taken seriously. I encourage people to take the necessary precautions and follow guidelines that have been established nationally and locally.

"At this time I am taking care of myself and my family and am focused on their health and recovery. I will return to the Vikings and my role after following the proper protocols."