Did Chargers Pro Bowl DE Joey Bosa violate NFL COVID-19 protocols?

Los Angeles Chargers head coach Brandon Staley said Wednesday that three-time Pro Bowl pass-rusher Joey Bosa landed on the reserve/COVID-19 list Tuesday as a high-risk close contact of defensive lineman Jerry Tillery, who tested positive for the coronavirus. 

This designation confirmed Bosa is unvaccinated against COVID-19, which could potentially become somewhat problematic for the 26-year-old and his employer even if he ultimately clears protocols ahead of Sunday's matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers.

According to Shelley Smith of ESPN, Staley added during his comments Wednesday that Bosa "has been diligent about wearing a mask when required" and that anytime he didn't, such as for indoor postgame press conferences, were merely a "mistake." 

Unvaccinated personnel must wear approved face coverings for all indoor conferences, and those who don't comply could face at least one fine. The NFL investigated the Green Bay Packers and starting quarterback Aaron Rodgers after Rodgers tested positive for COVID-19 as an unvaccinated player, and ESPN's Rob Demovsky later noted Rodgers and wide receiver Allen Lazard were fined $14,650 each for violations of league guidelines. The Packers were reportedly docked $300,000 for not reporting Rodgers and Lazard broke rules by attending a Halloween party as unvaccinated players and for not enforcing guidelines related to mask-wearing inside the facility. 

Smith wrote that Staley said he doesn't know if the NFL will look to punish the Chargers and/or Bosa, but those comments only came roughly 24 hours after the defensive end was placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list. Even if the league deems Bosa didn't always wear a mask when necessary, though, the Packers' situation suggests he'll only face what many would call a slap-on-the-wrist punishment.