Offensive lineman Isaiah Wilson, the Titans’ first-round draft pick this year, was quarantined as a precaution earlier this summer. He has since had multiple negative COVID-19 tests.
-- Photo By Michael Conroy | ApFirst-round pick Isaiah Wilson knows the protocol regarding the coronavirus and the NFL. That’s because Wilson began his professional career on the Reserve/COVID-19 list after signing his rookie contract and reporting to training camp.
Wilson being placed on the list means either he tested positive or has come in close contact with someone who tested positive.
The NFL is not allowed to disclose whether the player tested positive or whether the player was quarantined due to coming in contact with someone else who had a positive test.
Wilson was activated Aug. 3 after the requisite number of negative tests, and now has begun his pro career, hoping to win the starting right tackle spot in a competition with veteran Dennis Kelly.
When asked about the league’s COVID-19 protocol, Wilson gives it a good review.
“It’s definitely safe to say that what we have in place is working and keeping players safe,” he says. “I think there’s a great job being done right now.”
As for working and trying to win the right tackle job, Wilson and his fellow rookies are having to do more learning on the fly in training camp due to the offseason being limited to Zoom meetings and watching film.
He did manage to get together with some of his fellow linemen during some informal work in town and pick up a few pointers.
“I definitely spent some time working with some of the o-linemen in the offseason before we reported,” Wilson says, “and I think it helped me a lot. It helped me shave my weight down to where it’s manageable. It helped with my conditioning and just learning from those guys before we get out here.”
-- Terry McCormick