Dan Orlovsky argues that Tom Brady should have his best NFL season in his 22nd year. (1:03).
Tom Brady may have had his greatest season at 44 (1:03).
TAMPA (Fla.) -- After Ryan Succop, a Tampa Bay kicker, tested positive for COVID-19 while having dinner with Tennessee Titans players during joint practices, Bruce Arians, the Buccaneers coach, said that he is implementing his own rules and not following the NFL's COVID-19 protocol.
Arians stated that players will not be permitted to leave the team hotel, or have their family members visit the hotel while on the road for the Houston Texans' first road game of the year.
Arians stated, "Life is not normal for us." "We are pretty much under the exact same protocols -- we will be under the exact same protocols as last years. It's just the way it is here, especially since that's how it is. They found out the hard-way by inviting Tennessee in to go out for dinner. So did Ryan. They can only hear so much. Our guys will make many sacrifices once they reach 53, even this weekend. All those things, including families at the hotel -- are all gone."
Because Succop had been vaccinated, he was allowed to go out for dinner during joint practice. According to NFL rules, only fully vaccinated members from the Traveling Party are allowed to leave the hotel and eat at restaurants that are open to the public. However, individual Club rules may apply. It is forbidden for team members to eat at restaurants while on the road. Arians isn't interested in his team taking chances and allows him to put them into practice because it falls within "club rules".
"There are league rules and then there are my rules. We won't be going anywhere. Arians stated that we are the same as last year. "I don’t care if they’re vaccinated. They won't go anywhere."
Jaelon Darden (rookie wide receiver) is from Texas and plans to bring 10-15 family members to Saturday's game. However, he understands Arians rules and will follow them.
Darden stated, "That's not everything for me." "I stay in my house. I am content to stay where I am. That's not something I worry about."
No other Bucs players were placed on the COVID-19 reserve list, except for Succop, as of Wednesday afternoon. It was a wakeup call for a team with very few infections in the last year.
Tyler Johnson, wide receiver, said that it was important to go out and be cautious with what you do. "That's the biggest lesson we all took away from it."
Mike Vrabel is the Titans' head coach and is currently at home, having tested positive for COVID-19. He said Tuesday that he didn't know which Titans players or staff went to dinner with Succop.
The Titans took their own measures by asking everyone to wear masks in their buildings this week. Some Bucs members have also done this voluntarily.
Kevin Garver, wide receivers coach, stated that "for me personally I've decided put the mask back on inside the building." "I have kids and stuff at home. This is how I approach it."
