The Los Angeles Rams coaching staff was missing a vital piece on the first day of Training Camp on Wednesday, July 28. Offensive line coach Kevin Carberry, fully vaccinated, tested positive for the virus shortly before the start of camp.
Head coach Sean McVay spoke to the media after Day 1 of Training Camp, “Kevin was not out here today. Right now, he’s working through some things, he’s got COVID, and we’re going to see how quickly we can get him back,” said McVay.
McVay gives credit to offensive assistants Nick Jones, Zak Kromer, and the rest of the coaching staff, who he says remain collaborative and have stepped up during Carberry’s absence. McVay also remains optimistic regarding Carberry’s hopefully-soon return.
“We’re continuing to learn about this. He’s fully vaccinated, he’s done everything the right way. The good thing is, with the parameters around the protocols, if he’s got two negative tests within 24 hours separated, then he can end up returning, and we’re hoping that will be sooner than later,” says McVay, adding “He can still run a lot of the meetings from a virtual setting. There’s nothing like being physically present with guys, but he’s done an excellent job being able to adjust accordingly.”
Per NFL guidelines, if a fully vaccinated individual tests positive for COVID, they will immediately be given a second test, and then sent home to isolate while that test is pending. If the individual remains asymptomatic, they can return once two consecutive tests are negative over a 24 hours period.