Bucs’ Todd Bowles works remotely due to COVID-19 concerns

TAMPA — Bucs defensive coordinator Todd Bowles has been working virtually this week after close contact with someone outside the facility who is believed to have received a false positive test for the coronavirus.

Bowles has no symptoms and continues to test negative for the virus, increasing the possibility that he will be cleared in time to coach Sunday’s regular-season finale against the Atlanta Falcons at home.

Since Bowles has attended no meetings this week and has been working remotely, the Bucs don’t believe any other coaches or players will need to be removed for close contact.

The Bucs can clinch the No. 5 playoff seed in the NFC as a wildcard with a win over Sunday.

The Bucs have had few interruptions due to COVID-19. All three specialists, place-kicker Ryan Succop, punter Bradly Pinion and long snapper Zach Triner, had to miss the better part of a week after one of them received a false positive. They all cleared protocol in time to play at Atlanta two weeks ago.

Running back Ronald Jones missed two games with a broken pinky finger and after a positive COVID-19 test but returned to practice Wednesday.