Here's how the Broncos are adapting after recent positive COVID-19 tests

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. — As another wave of COVID-19 rages through Colorado, the mostly-vaccinated Broncos are not completely immune from its effects.

Three of their players are on the COVID-19 list: quarterback Drew Lock, cornerback Michael Ojemudia and inside linebacker Justin Strnad. Two more players are on the exempt list as they return from being on the COVID-19 list: tight end Noah Fant and guard Netane Muti. Both practiced Wednesday and Thursday.

And after Lock traveled with the team and learned of a COVID-19 positive test within his circle of close contacts while en route to Dallas last week, the Broncos now must wait out the incubation period in case there are other breakthrough positive tests among their vaccinated players.

That is of particular note for quarterback Teddy Bridgewater, who is a close contact of Lock being in the same quarterback room with him. Having been vaccinated, Bridgewater has been able to practice, noted Wednesday that he “should be in the clear” if he continues to test negative.

But just in case, the Broncos took extra precautions. As Bridgewater noted, the team moved its offensive meetings from the team auditorium to a socially-distanced setup in the Pat Bowlen Fieldhouse.

“We’re taking a preventative approach of catching this thing before it spreads. We’re spaced out in meetings now,” he said.

“[We’re] just making the meeting rooms bigger and enforcing guys to wear the mask, even if you are vaccinated. If you’re within six feet, [we] just [want] to stay safe and limit the cases from increasing.”

That change happened this week, when he and fellow quarterback Brett Rypien were informed while watching tape.

“The the guys came down like, ‘Hey, we’re going to move you guys around a little bit,’ which is smart, man,” Bridgewater said.

“It’s showing true concern and care for not only us as players, but us as human beings.”

But it’s also prudent. With a roster buckling under the weight of injuries, the last thing the Broncos can afford now is an outbreak.