Saints head coach Sean Payton tests positive for COVID-19

3 years ago

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - DECEMBER 30: Head coach Sean Payton of the New Orleans Saints reacts during the first half against the Carolina Panthers at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on December 30, 2018 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)

NEW ORLEANS (WGNO) — The Saints will be without head coach Sean Payton for Sunday nights game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

The Saints announced Friday, Payton has tested positive for COVID-19 and was “immediately isolated” from the team.

Here is the full official statement courtesy of the New Orleans Saints:

Today, Saints Head Coach Sean Payton tested positive for Covid-19 and was immediately isolated. He has been fully vaccinated.

Per NFL protocols, Payton will be out for 10 days unless he meets the league requirements for a fully vaccinated individual to return to the team environment. Defensive Coordinator Dennis Allen will assume the duties of head coach for the December 19^th Tampa Bay game. Payton will return to coach the December 27^th game against the Miami Dolphins.

Payton was absent from practice on Wednesday after feeling “under the weather” but, per the team, had then tested negative for COVID-19. He returned to practice Thursday.

The Saints face the Bucs at Tampa Sunday night at 7:20 p.m.