Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

There has been an increase in COVID-19 cases across the NFL this week, and the league is considering a change to its current policy as a result.

Mark Maske of the Washington Post reported on Wednesday that the NFL is exploring the idea of giving vaccinated, asymptomatic players a quicker path to returning to team activities. Currently, vaccinated individuals who test positive but have no symptoms must produce two negative tests 24 hours apart in order to be cleared. That could be shortened, according to Maske.

Several teams could be shorthanded this weekend due to COVID-19 protocols. The Cleveland Browns had Baker Mayfield and several other offensive starters test positive. Head coach Kevin Stefanski also produced a positive test, though both he and Mayfield said they are not experiencing symptoms.

Maske noted that it’s possible a change could go into effect this week, but the NFL and NFL Players Association would have to agree to it.

More must-reads:

TODAY'S BEST
Nuggets teach Timberwolves it's never easy to knock out the champion
Panthers come from behind to take Game 4 vs. Bruins
Hawks win 2024 NBA Draft Lottery
Watch: Padres star passes father on all-time home runs list
Terrion Arnold honors his mother in a unique way
Brad Keselowski breaks 110-race winless streak at Darlington
Watch: Manchester United ties record, highlighting club's ineptitude
Celtics' Jrue Holiday praises overlooked aspect of Jayson Tatum's game
Arturs Silovs' 42 saves lead Canucks past Oilers in Game 3
Braves star leaves game early due to left side soreness
Pacers blow out Knicks on Mother’s Day, even series at 2-2
Hawks GM 'shocked' that his team won the NBA Draft Lottery
Prolific former Brewers, A's slugger announces retirement
Saints to sign veteran offensive lineman
Smother's Day: Pacers shut down Knicks in first half of Game 4
Flyers goaltender suspended from international play for three years
Pistons make wrong kind of history at NBA Draft Lottery
Watch: Pacers C Myles Turner makes absurd three-pointer in first quarter vs. Knicks
Giants place key outfielder on injured list
Broncos release former Super Bowl champion WR

Want more sports news?

Join the hundreds of thousands of fans who start their day with Yardbarker's Morning Bark, the best newsletter in sports.