Mike Zimmer keeps looking up to find another Vikings player or coach testing positive for COVID-19 and isolated from the team.
The Vikings have placed six players in quarantine in the past two days, including three on Tuesday in return man Dede Westbrook, running back A.J. Rose and receiver Trishton Jackson.
"When I came in [Monday], got the text, 'This guy is positive,'" said Zimmer, the Vikings head coach. "[Tuesday] we had some positives, you know, so it's kind of just trying to figure out who's up next and where we go from here. Yeah, I mean, every single morning I'm going to get some kind of text and it seems to be worse right now, maybe worse than it was last year during any point in the season."
Running back Alexander Mattison, receiver Dan Chisena and guard Kyle Hinton were placed on the COVID list on Monday. They've had 22 players isolated this season and one hospitalized in guard Dakota Dozier. Sixteen of the players have been quarantined since Nov. 4 when COVID-19 numbers in Minnesota spiked.
The Vikings are now among a handful of NFL teams operating under intensive protocols as positive cases spread through the league. The Rams placed six players on the COVID list after playing against the Cardinals on Monday night.
"Everyone has to test [daily]," Zimmer said. "Everyone has to wear masks in the building. We either have to do meetings virtually or a big, open — some place with enough room. Practices and walkthroughs are pretty much normal other than that."
Offensive and special teams depth will be tested should Mattison and Westbrook be ruled out. The Vikings added running back Wayne Gallman off waivers. Receiver K.J. Osborn could return punts if Westbrook is sidelined. Fifth-round rookie Ihmir Smith Marsette could rise as high as the No. 3 receiver role depending on Adam Thielen (ankle) and Westbrook.
"Smith-Marsette is a guy that has been doing a nice job all year, he may have an opportunity here this week," Zimmer said. "We'll just see as the week goes on. That's why we've had so many guys on the practice squad, so they may have to come up and be ready to play."