FLORHAM PARK, N.J. – Robert Saleh tested positive for COVID-19 on Wednesday, putting in question his status for the Jets’ game against Jacksonville on Sunday.
Tight ends coach Ron Middleton is assuming the Jets’ head coaching duties in Saleh’s absence. Middleton ran Wednesday’s practice. If Saleh isn’t cleared by Sunday, Middleton will coach the Jets against the Jaguars at MetLife Stadium.
Saleh was tested after having symptoms on Wednesday, the Jets said. Under the NFL’s new protocols, vaccinated players and staff members only have to be tested if they show symptoms. Saleh could return to the Jets as early as Thursday, but he must show no symptoms and test negative.
The Jets have been hit hard by COVID-19 recently. As of Wednesday morning, they had 14 players on the reserve/COVID-19 list – 10 on the active roster and four from the practice squad.
They are guard Alijah Vera-Tucker, receivers Elijah Moore, Jeff Smith and Vyncint Smith, defensive linemen John Franklin-Myers, Foley Fatukasi and Tanzel Smart, linebackers Blake Cashman, Hamsah Nasirildeen and Noah Dawkins and defensive backs Michael Carter II, Sharrod Neasman, Justin Hardee and Lamar Jackson.
The Jets began conducting all meetings virtually last week but are holding practices regularly. That will continue. Saleh can take part in the meetings, but he has to remain isolated until clearing protocols.
There has been a surge of COVID-19 cases all around the NFL, including coaches. New Orleans coach Sean Payton and Browns coach Kevin Stefanski were unable to coach their respective teams after testing positive for COVID-19.
Middleton is in his first season with the Jets and 12th coaching in the NFL.
He spent the prior eight seasons with Jacksonville as the tight ends coach and assistant special teams coach. Middleton was with Duke University the previous four seasons, serving as assistant head coach, special teams coordinator and tight ends coach.
Middleton’s first NFL coaching position came with Tampa Bay as the tight ends/assistant special teams coach in 2004.
