The NFL and NFLPA are discussing further changes to COVID-19 protocols based on the CDC’s latest guidance (Twitter link via NFL.com’s Tom Pelissero). If the two sides come to terms, the new isolation period for a person who tests positive will be just five days, down from the previous 10-day mandate.
With the playoffs on the horizon, this would allow a vaccinated player who tests positive on a Monday to suit up on Sunday. It’s not yet clear if the same time period would apply to those who are unvaccinated, though the CDC has not issued separate guidelines for unvaccinated people.
The NFL moved to relax its restrictions earlier this month, though teams like the Saints still had to scramble for players in Week 16. Just Monday, the Panthers sent players home following a “somewhat significant” spike in positive tests. As of this writing, over 100 players are on the COVID-19/reserve list in advance of the Week 17 slate.
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