Los Angeles Rams center Brian Allen has tested positive for COVID-19. He is the first active NFL player to publicly acknowledge testing positive for the virus.
Allen told Fox Sports and a Rams spokesperson confirmed the diagnosis on Wednesday. Allen felt slight symptoms but now is feeling much better. Two others on the Chargers have also shown symptoms.
Allen was a fourth-round pick from Michigan State in 201. He played a limited role on offense as a rookie. However, last season, he took over as the starting center and started nine games before suffering a season-ending knee injury.
He has appeared in 22 games in his two seasons.
The 24-year-old is preparing for his third season in the league. He was spending his offseason at the Rams’ training facility to undergo rehabilitation treatment on a knee injury.
That’s when he began to feel symptoms three weeks ago.
According to the Rams, the training facility was closed for two weeks and cleaned thoroughly. Other players who must also undergo rehabilitation returned this week.
Allen had all the familiar symptoms. Loss of sense of smell and taste, sore throat, fatigue, and headaches. However, he is expected to be cleared of the virus this week.
Rams coach Sean McVay said that he has spoken with Allen. He said that the offensive lineman is “feeling good, healthy, and he’s on the road to recovery.”
Before Allen, no active NFL players previously said they tested positive. However, New Orleans Saints coach Sean Payton and an unidentified member of the Los Angeles Chargers organization tested positive.
