Ron Rivera warns Washington Football Team after more players go on COVID-19 list

Washington Football Team head coach Ron Rivera sent a warning to his team after two more players were placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list on Saturday, providing a what-if scenario, according to ESPN's John Keim.

Washington now has six players on the reserve/COVID-19 list, including Brandon Scherff, David Sharpe, Curtis Samuel and Matt Ioannidis. 

If this had been the case one day before the team's season opener against the Los Angeles Chargers, then Scherff and Sharpe would also have missed the second game because it occurs on Thursday, Rivera noted. 

"Those guys would not be eligible, so, to me, it brings the reality of what the rules are," he said, "and I hope it helps. But these young men have to make their decisions."

Washington ranks second to last in terms of vaccination rate, with just over 70% of players having at least one shot. As of Saturday, only the Arizona Cardinals have more players on the reserve/COVID-19 list, according to Keim. 

Earlier this week, Rivera said he was "beyond frustrated" with the team's slow pace of vaccinations, adding that he is "immune deficient" after battling cancer last fall. 

"I think just making the statement that I'm immune deficient hopefully is part of their conversation, part of their thought process," Rivera said.

According to The Associated Press (h/t Boston.com), the number of NFL players in the COVID-19 vaccination process has reached 80%, with nine teams having 90% or more of their players in that category.