Wes Durham won’t be at UNC-Syracuse for ACC broadcast after inconclusive COVID test

Wes Durham will not be with the ACC Network broadcast for today’s Syracuse at North Carolina football game after a COVID-19 test was deemed inconclusive this week. Durham said a re-test in the last 24 hours came up negative, but since the initial test was close to kickoff he’ll miss the season opener.

Durham said he will be replaced on the play-by-play call by David Neal for the Tar Heels and Orange, but that he is cleared to resume his radio duties as the voice of the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday when they face Seattle at 1 p.m.

Durham, who is the son of beloved, longtime voice of the Tar Heels Woody Durham, is the co-host of Packer and Durham show on the ACC Network. His absence in Chapel Hill is just another indication of how the coronavirus can change plans in an instance and those involved in the game have to have a backup plan. UNC coach Mack Brown hinted at that delicate balance this week when he addressed the media. The ACC policy has the players tested three times a week including Friday afternoon.

“We could find out that a staff member can’t participate during the game or a player couldn’t participate in the game as late as nine o’clock on on Saturday morning,” Brown said. “So it will definitely be different.”

Durham is still expected to broadcast Sunday’s NFL game between the Atlanta Falcons and Seattle Seahawks for ESPN.

This story was originally published September 12, 2020 at 8:53 AM.