Eight NFL teams hit 85% COVID-19 vaccination threshold

The news regarding NFL players getting fully vaccinated against COVID-19 continues to improve as the start of training camp approaches. 

Michael David Smith of Pro Football Talk noted Tuesday that eight teams have now hit the 85% vaccination threshold among players that allows for the loosening of certain coronavirus-related health and safety protocols. Seven teams were above the 85% threshold for vaccinated players as of Monday afternoon. 

Per NFL Network's Tom Pelissero (h/t Kevin Patra), 71% of players have now gotten at least one vaccine shot, up from 70% the previous day. The NFL considers players and other personnel fully vaccinated two weeks after receiving either a second vaccine shot or one Johnson & Johnson vaccine dose. 

It's been reported that "virtually" all coaches, administrative staff, and other Tier 1 and Tier 2 non-playing personnel are already vaccinated. Back in early June, reports surfaced Tier 1 and Tier 2 employees could lose their statuses by remaining unvaccinated. 

The NFL and NFL Players Association aren't forcing players to get vaccinated and have reiterated players can't be cut for remaining unvaccinated through the beginning of training camp, but those who refuse to get the shots through the end of the season will have to live and work under strict restrictions and guidelines similar to those used for the 2020 campaign.