Titans place QB Ryan Tannehill on Reserve/COVID-19 list as minor outbreak continues

Tennessee has had a cluster of COVID cases this week

The Tennessee Titans are dealing with a bit of a COVID-19 outbreak, which has affected several players and even their head coach. On Thursday morning, another notable player was added to the list, as the team announced that they had placed quarterback Ryan Tannehill on the Reserve/COVID-19 list.

Tennessee has been dealing with this outbreak ever since they visited the Tampa Bay Buccaneers this past weekend. It has even affected head coach Mike Vrabel, who tested positive earlier this week. Team doctor John Williams recommended he receive the antibody infusion, but he has not had any serious symptoms, according to the AP. As of now, linebacker Nick Dzubnar, running back Jeremy McNichols, defensive tackle Anthony Rush, tight end Geoff Swaim, linebacker Justin March-Lillard and Tannehill are on the team's Reserve/COVID-19 list.

According to Tom Pelissero of the NFL Network, Tannehill is vaccinated, so he can return to the team with two negative test results 24 hours apart. Pelissero also reports that everyone on the Titans, vaccinated or not, have been getting tested in recent days due to the growing number of COVID cases. During his Thursday morning press conference, general manager Jon Robinson informed reporters that the team is taking precautions with the virus, wearing masks and social distancing, according to Jim Wyatt of the Titans' official website. He also said that the Titans' vaccination rate is 97 or 98 percent. 

It's a good thing that Tannehill is vaccinated, as it should make for a quicker return. Previously, he said that he would not have gotten the vaccine if it were not for the NFL's strict protocols. 

"The NFL has made it clear what they want to happen," Tannehill said in July, via ESPN's Turron Davenport. "If you don't fall in line, they're going to try and make your life miserable because of the protocol.

"I wouldn't have gotten the vaccine without the protocols that they are enforcing on us. I think it's a personal decision for each of us. They are trying to force our hands and ultimately have forced a lot of hands by the protocols. It is what it is."

The Titans wrap up the preseason against the Chicago Bears on Saturday night, and Robinson said that he has no concerns about the game being played. 

It's Julio time! How will he fare in his first season with the Titans? Can Tennessee finally make it back to the Super Bowl? Get news at your fingertips by downloading the CBS Sports app. If you have the app, set the Titans as your favorite team and get news faster.