Giants' close contacts to Hernandez return to team after testing negative

The New York Giants apparently avoided a COVID-19 outbreak, as all nine isolated players and coaches in close contact with starting guard Will Hernandez tested negative on Thursday, sources told Pat Leonard of the New York Daily News.

The isolated contacts will return to practice on Friday, the team announced. However, Hernandez remains quarantined and won't play Monday night versus the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Hernandez tested positive on Thursday and the club later placed him on the reserve/COVID-19 list. The Giants had to quarantine all but four members of their offensive line as a result.

Head coach Joe Judge didn't believe Monday's game would be in danger despite the positive test, and the NFC matchup remains on track.

New York's facility remained open Thursday after the players immediately self-isolated.