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