Saints' C/G Will Clapp OUT for COVID-19, per Report
New Orleans Saints C/G Will Clapp received a positive test for COVID-19, per NFL Network Insider's Tom Pelissero. Clapp cannot participate in the 2021 NFC Divisional Round playoff game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday afternoon in New Orleans. The lineman is a backup in two positions, center and guard for the Saints.
Oct 4, 2020; Detroit, Michigan, USA; New Orleans Saints center Will Clapp (64) at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports
Pelissero also states that New Orleans did not have any of their players classified as "high-risk close contacts" to Clapp. The Saints organization and NFL will provide more details on the former LSU product's health and other players' game status before the playoff matchup with Tampa Bay.
If other players along the offensive line were to test COVID-19 positive, for instance, starters LT Terron Armstead, RT Ryan Ramczyk, C Erick McCoy, G Andrus Peat, or G Cesar Ruiz, this could become a major issue in the New Orleans protection schemes for QB Drew Brees. The Buccaneers defensive coordinator, Todd Bowles, loves to call blitzes and stunts. If New Orleans becomes without a few of the offensive line starters, Brees will have problems in the passing game.
New Orleans had a scare before their regular-season finale in Carolina when superstar running back Alvin Kamara tested positive for COVID-19. Close contact tracing with Kamara prevented the entire Saints running corps and running backs coach Joel Thomas from attending and participating in the Panthers' game.
The New Orleans Saints (13-4) will host the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (12-5) on Sunday at 5:40 PM CT inside the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Fox Sports will broadcast the game with Joe Buck (play-by-play), Troy Aikman (color analyst), and Erin Andrews (field reporter) announcing the contest.
