Play.
The outbreak shows that COVID-19 still needs to be taken seriously.
Stephen A. Smith stresses the seriousness of the disease after two people tested positive. There are two words in this sentence: (2:11).
3:52 PM
Changes to the league's COVID-19 protocols will be put in place immediately and could help teams whose rosters have been decimated this week.
All 32 teams will be placed in intensive COVID-19 protocols until the end of Week 15. This means the re-imposition of mandatory mask wearing in team facilities, social distancing, grab-and-go meal service in team cafeterias, all-virtual meetings, limits on the number of people allowed in weight rooms and restrictions on activities outside the facility.
All players and personnel will be tested daily, but the rest of the teams won't be.
Changes to the return-to-play COVID-19 protocols will make it easier for players who are vaccine-free to return to practice and games.
A person who tests positive for COVID-19 has to produce two negative tests in 24 hours before being cleared to return. According to the source, the new protocols could allow teams such as the Cleveland Browns, Los Angeles Rams and Washington Football Team to get some players back for this weekend's games.
Unvaccinated players will still be tested daily and must stay away from the team facility for at least 10 days before they can be cleared to return after a positive test.
The league said in a statement that they have continuously evolved their protocols to meet their goal of improving the safety of the players, coaches and staff. The changes we are making today aim to address the increase in cases. All clubs will implement preventative measures that have proven effective, such as masking, eliminating in-person meals, and no outside visitors while on team travel. Booster shots are the most effective protection.
We will adjust the return-to-participation requirements for those who have recovered from COVID-19 based on expert advice. All of the changes are based on data and science, with safety being the number-one goal for the entire NFL community.
It's not clear whether the league would agree to allowing players to opt out of the season if they are not comfortable with the changes.
There was no plan to mandate booster shots for players who were notvaccinated as of Thursday afternoon, though the league and the NFLPA still encourage unvaccinated players to receive boosters.
At least eight starting players have been placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list this week, including quarterback Baker Mayfield, after the head coach tested positive for the coronaviruses.
The Rams have placed 13 players on the list in the past week, including two starting running backs and a star receiver.
Washington has placed 17 players on the COVID list this week, bringing its total to 21 overall and 11 starters.
