13 NFL teams hit 85 percent COVID-19 vaccination threshold as rates increase

At the start of the workweek, a total of seven NFL teams had reached the 85% COVID-19 vaccination threshold among players that permits the loosening of certain virus-related health and safety protocols. Meanwhile, 70% of players around the league had received at least one vaccine shot as of that time. 

Those rates continue to improve ahead of training camp. 

NFL Network's Tom Pelissero (h/t Kevin Patra) reported Friday that 13 teams have crossed the 85% threshold. Additionally, 73.8% of players have had at least one shot. Both are increases from Thursday's figures of 10 teams and 73% of players. 

Pelissero added that two teams haven't yet hit a vaccination rate of 50% among players. While NFL Media isn't naming the clubs, Rob Maaddi of the Associated Press reports the Washington Football Team and Indianapolis Colts have the lowest vaccination rates in the league before the weekend. 

At the opposite end of the spectrum, the Pittsburgh Steelers, Miami Dolphins, New Orleans Saints, Carolina Panthers and Denver Broncos have all reportedly reached and/or crossed the 85% threshold. 

The NFL and NFL Players Association aren't mandating players be vaccinated, but those not fully vaccinated when training camp sessions begin will have to follow similar guidelines to those used last season, such as undergoing daily COVID-19 testing, wearing approved face-coverings at team facilities and eating outside of club cafeterias. 

Coaches and general managers aren't embracing a "name and shame" approach to encourage vaccinations, but it won't take long once training camps get underway to see who hasn't been vaccinated and which teams haven't reached the 85% threshold.