Every team could enter enhanced COVID-19 protocols amid outbreak?

Much to the chagrin of head coach Sean McVay, the Rams currently have 13 players on reserve/COVID list. Rob Schumacher/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK

All 32 NFL teams could enter enhanced COVID-19 protocols amid outbreak?

By Zac Wassink | Last updated 12/14/21

Since Monday morning, more than 60 NFL players have been placed on reserve/COVID-19 lists amid an undeniable virus outbreak among league personnel that is threatening regular-season schedules ahead of Christmas. The Cleveland Browns and Los Angeles Rams are the latest teams facing worrisome coronavirus-related issues, and they joined the Atlanta Falcons, Detroit Lions, Minnesota Vikings, Houston Texans and Chicago Bears among franchises currently in enhanced COVID-19 protocols.

Per The Athletic and multiple reporters, NFL general counsel Larry Ferazani told franchise executives Tuesday every club might have to soon enter enhanced protocols, which involve daily COVID-19 testing of personnel regardless of vaccination statuses and mandating mask-wearing at team facilities.

With over 60 players going on the COVID list with positive tests the past two days, NFL exec Larry Ferazani delivered an impassioned speech at today’s labor seminar, telling team officials they finished last season on time and can do it again.

Full speed ahead to Super Bowl LVI.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) December 14, 2021

NFL’s Larry Ferazani told team execs at the league’s labor seminar today that they should be on high alert in enforcing all protocols and that the idea that all 32 teams could go into enhanced protocols soon is not out of the question.

League very much has its guard up now. https://t.co/ukPdsXL5S8
— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) December 14, 2021

As of Tuesday night, the NFL has no plans to postpone any of the upcoming weekend's games, but that could change depending on the results of additional testing between Wednesday and Friday. According to Lindsey Thiry of ESPN, Rams head coach Sean McVay said Tuesday that every Los Angeles player on the reserve/COVID-19 list is vaccinated, which indicates they tested positive for the virus:

Up to 13 Rams players:
S Jordan Fuller
DB Tyler Hall https://t.co/axtlBOPfDj
— Lindsey Thiry (@LindseyThiry) December 14, 2021

McVay's comments suggest going to enhanced protocols will help a team determine the seriousness of an outbreak rather than prevent one at this point of the year coming off the Thanksgiving holiday.

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