JACKSONVILLE – Doug Marrone is optimistic about Gardner Minshew II's long-term status.
While NFL rules limit what he can say about Minshew being on the team's reserve/COVID-19 list, the Jaguars' head coach said he didn't expect the second-year starting quarterback to be out for long.
"His spirits are great; I think he'll be available soon," Marrone said Monday during a videoconference with local media, his second availability of Jaguars 2020 Training Camp.
The Jaguars on Sunday afternoon announced that Minshew had been placed on the team's reserve/COVID-19 list – a list for players who either test positive for COVID-19 or who have been quarantined after having been in close contact with an infected person or persons.
Clubs are not permitted to comment on a player's medical status other than referring to roster status. Clubs may not disclose whether the player is in quarantine or is positive for COVID-19.
"I know the quarterback question is going to come, but with the HIPAA rules and laws and all of that stuff going on, I'm not going to be able to comment on it," Marrone said.
Minshew is among eight players on the Jaguars' reserve/COVID-19 list as of Monday afternoon. The others: running back Ryquell Armstead, tight end Charles Jones, wide receiver Michael Walker, safety Andrew Wingard, offensive lineman Tre'Vour Wallace-Simms, offensive lineman Ryan Pope and cornerback Parry Nickerson.
"I think we're all in the process of learning, really," Marrone said. "There are so many things to worry about. At the end of the day, we're just trying to educate our players. … We're seeing those issues and I think we're all learning from them. I think this learning process is going to be beneficial for us and anyone that's out there during the season."
Marrone said players who are separate from the team on the reserve/COVID-19 list may participate in meetings if their health allows them to so.
The Jaguars also have implemented social-distancing measures throughout TIAA Bank Field, measures that include a GPS badge to track movement of players, coaches and staff. The badge flashes to warn the wearer if he/she is too close to someone else wearing a badge. Distancing also is being enforced in meeting rooms, dining areas, locker rooms and training rooms.
"It's about mitigating risk and what you feel is the best environment you can control to keep it safe," Marrone said. ""We're always looking to make sure we're fewer and further. We're always looking to do that, to be fewer and further away and have a safe distance with each other. There are a lot of things going on. We're splitting groups up in the weight room.
"There are a lot of different ways to do it. We're just going from there."
Marrone said he didn't worry that Jaguars players aren't being careful about COVID-19 protocols.
"I think they are," Marrone said. "Some of the things that occur can happen to any of us. These lessons we're learning now are going to beneficial for us when the season comes. I don't think anyone's being negligent. I really believe that. Everyone understands what's at stake. I feel good about how we're trying to educate our players and I feel good about how they're responding. Sometimes, it's just bad luck.
"There's constant communication with the league and the doctors and we're constantly trying to create an environment that's safer. When you see that, obviously you feel pretty good. If I didn't feel good, I wouldn't be here."
