Bears’ QBs coach recounts ‘scary’ COVID diagnosis

Bears quarterbacks coach John DeFilippo tested positive for the coronavirus when he reported to training camp.

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Bears quarterbacks coach John DeFilippo throws a pass while a member of the Jaguars staff.

Photo by James Gilbert/Getty Images

Bears quarterbacks coach John DeFilippo tested positive for the coronavirus when he reported to training camp. He knew it was possible despite being fully vaccinated, but it was surprising anyway. He said he felt sick for four or five days, but the scariest part was his 1-year-old daughter also contracting the virus.

“She’s fine now, thank goodness,” DeFilippo said Thursday. “But it’s scary. I’m not gonna lie to you. Because you get vaccinated and all those things. But unfortunately that situation is happening to some people out there, not just me.”

While he was away, he watched practice on his iPad. He returned Monday.

“We’re trained as coaches to, once that second week of July hits, you start to get that itch and your mind starts wandering from vacation time to getting into training camp,” he said. “It was frustrating. ... It’s just great to be back around the coaches and players.”

Injury report

Rookie Teven Jenkins has yet to practice. He remained out Thursday with a stiff back. 

He has plenty of company. The Bears held out the following players: outside linebacker Robert Quinn (back); guard James Daniels (quad); cornerbacks Artie Burns (quad) and Michael Joseph (hamstring); safety Tashaun Gipson (groin); tackle Badara Traore (knee) and inside linebacker Josh Woods (quad)

Running back Tarik Cohen (knee), tackle Germain Ifedi (hip) and safety Eddie Jackson (hamstring) haven’t practiced all camp.

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