The NFL and NFL Players Association are discussing the possibility of postponing games amid an increase in COVID-19 cases. While many players may be in favor of that for competitive reasons, the majority of the league apparently feels the COVID protocols are the real problem.
Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reported on Friday that a “majority” of NFL players have told the NFLPA they want to eliminate COVID protocols altogether. That would mean no more regular testing or forcing players who test positive to quarantine.
That seems unlikely to happen, at least this season. However, the NFL and NFLPA did recently make some changes to the COVID-19 policy. One of them allows for vaccinated players and coaches who test positive but are asymptomatic to potentially return to their respective teams sooner.
During a Friday appearance on 105.3 The Fan, Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones said the NFL and NFLPA may change their COVID policy so only players and coaches who have symptoms have to be tested. That change would apply to individuals who are vaccinated. Jones indicated the change could happen as soon as this week.
The vast majority of NFL players and coaches who tested positive for COVID-19 this week are not experiencing symptoms. Cleveland Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield, who is on the reserve/COVID-19 list and likely out Week 15, blasted the NFL over the protocols in a series of tweets on Thursday.
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