Minnesota Vikings offensive lineman Dakota Dozier tested positive for COVID-19 and has remained hospitalized as of Wednesday afternoon. Vikings coach Mike Zimmer said 29 people, including himself, were tested as close contacts. Dozier, who is on the practice squad, went to a local hospital Tuesday to be treated for COVID-19-related symptoms. The Vikings placed Dozier, who is vaccinated, on the practice squad reserve/COVID-19 list Friday. Dozier is said to be “stable,” but the situation was “scary” and experienced difficulty breathing. Dozier, 30, appeared in three games this season for the Vikings. He started all 16 regular-season games in 2020 for the NFC North franchise.
The Vikings played without starting safety Harrison Smith and center Garrett Bradbury last week due to positive COVID-19 tests. On Monday, they placed linebacker Ryan Connelly and practice squad tackle Timon Parris on reserve/COVID-19 lists.The Vikings said that Bradbury is vaccinated and can return to the team when he produces two negative COVID-19 test results at least 24 hours apart or after a 10-day quarantine. Smith is ruled out for Week 10 because he is unvaccinated.
The Vikings face the Los Angeles Chargers at 4:05 p.m. EST Sunday at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, Calif.
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