Hurst first Raider positive for COVID-19; contact tracing begins
The Raiders have placed defensive tackle Maurice Hurst on the Reserve-COVID 19 list.
A source close to the organization said the sample collected from Hurst on Monday came back positive for COVID-19.
The process of contact tracing those who have been in close proximity to Hurst is underway. Those players will then be administered point-of-care tests.
Hurst becomes the first member of the team to be placed on the list during the regular season.
The roster move comes just a day after 10 Raiders players were fined for their participation in a fundraiser gala where they were photographed without masks at DragonRidge Country Club in Henderson.
Hurst did not attend the function.
Coach Jon Gruden and the organization were also fined this season for violations of the league’s mask mandate on the sideline.
The team was sanctioned by the league for allowing an unauthorized individual access to its locker room after the home opener against the Saints last month, a violation of the league’s enhanced health and safety protocols.
Hurst is in his third season with the Raiders out of Michigan. He has played in all four games this season, recording 13 tackles and a half-sack.
Gruden said Monday that Hurst has been “playing well” and expected his workload to continue to increase after he played a season-high 35 snaps Sunday.
The Raiders are scheduled to visit the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday. The next few days will be important to monitor for any potential spread in the organization.
The Chiefs defeated the New England Patriots on Monday with that game being delayed a day because Patriots starting quarterback Cam Newton tested positive during the week.
Contact Adam Hill at ahill@reviewjournal.com. Follow @AdamHillLVRJ on Twitter.
