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Broncos running backs coach Curtis Modkins tests positive for COVID-19

Denver Broncos running backs coach Curtis Modkins will not travel to New England on Saturday after testing positive for COVID-19. The team announced Modkins’ positive test Saturday, and said he was in self-isolation.

The Broncos added they will be in touch with the NFL so the team can “take all necessary precautions to ensure the safety of our team, opponents and community.”

Modkins, 49, has been a coach in the NFL for 12 seasons. He’s served as both an offensive coordinator and running backs coach during that time. Modkins joined the Broncos in 2018 and was instrumental in getting the team involved in police reform following the death of George Floyd in May, according to Ben Swanson of DenverBroncos.com.

The Broncos said they administered point of care testing with Modkins’ close contacts, which resulted in no positive COVID-19 results. Because of that, it’s possible the Broncos will still play Sunday’s game against the Patriots.

Another positive test could put the game in jeopardy, however. The Patriots have already experienced a coronavirus outbreak this season, and had another player test positive for the virus Friday. Despite that positive test, the Patriots will reportedly reopen their facility Saturday.

Melvin Gordon to miss Week 6 with illness

While the Broncos say no other player has produced a positive test, the team announced Saturday that running back Melvin Gordon would not travel to New England due to an illness. He was later officially ruled out for Sunday’s game.

Gordon came down with an illness Friday, and was unable to practice. Gordon’s close proximity to Modkins may have influenced the team to keep Gordon home Saturday.

Gordon was also cited for a DUI on Tuesday, but Broncos head coach Vic Fangio said Gordon being away from the team Friday had nothing to do with that situation. Fangio also said Friday the Broncos do not believe Gordon is dealing with COVID-19.

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