Information scarce, Sun Bowl in doubt with Miami Football team in Covid protocol

Numerous media outlets reported on Tuesday that the Miami football team is in Covid protocol and the Sun Bowl could be in doubt. Local, national and media outlets that specifically cover Miami athletics all reported on the Hurricanes being in protocol. Information is scarce about which players have tested positive.

Susan Miller Degnan of the Miami Herald reported several players tested positive and that the situation is fluid. Some of the other media outlets that have reported on Miami being in Covid protocol are ESPN, Inside the U and Newsweek. The Miami athletic department sent out a press release regarding the situation on Tuesday.

Miller-Degnan reported that the press release was two paragraphs and came out at 4 PM ET on Tuesday. Various reports have stated that Miami still intends to play in the game. It is not known how many players have tested positive. Miller-Degnan reported through a source more than a few players but less than half tested positive for Covid.

Miami is scheduled to leave for El Paso on Sunday. Their departure could be delayed and still provide Miami enough time to arrive in time to play in the Sun Bowl. Sun Bowl football committee chairman John Folmer said they did not know the magnitude for Miami and expected to know more on Wednesday.

Andrea Adelson of ESPN reported that the Covid outbreak affected the Miami football program across several position groups. Adelson also reported that Miami has moved to virtual meetings. Miami also had a walk-through practice on Tuesday instead of the full contact that was postponed because of the positive Covid tests.

Miami will already be without defensive linemen Jon Ford and Deandre Johnson and wide receiver Charleston Rambo who have opted out of the Tony the Tiger Sun Bowl to get ready for the NFL Draft. Any players who might be out for Miami are not likely to be announced to the day of the game if the Hurricanes are still able to play.