Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

NFL teams must go into intensive COVID protocols for remainder of season

By Erin Walsh | Last updated 11/18/20

With coronavirus cases rising around the United States, the NFL is cracking down on teams as we head into the winter months.

According to NFL Network's Tom Pelissero, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell sent a very specific memo to all teams on Wednesday saying they must go into intensive COVID-19 protocols for the remainder of the 2020 campaign.

Here’s the memo from Commissioner Goodell, who praises the work so far to not miss a single game amidst COVID challenges, and adds: “As we continue through the season, it will likely be necessary to take further steps to address broader conditions.” pic.twitter.com/AQbXYqsEI9
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) November 18, 2020

The memo comes after nearly every team in the league has placed a player on the reserve/COVID list this season. The Washington Football Team, New York Giants, Atlanta Falcons, Los Angeles Rams and Las Vegas Raiders all placed players on the list on Tuesday.

Goodell has been strict when it comes to teams following protocols this season. The Raiders were slammed with multiple fines totaling over $1 million for various protocol violations, and other head coaches around the league have been fined for not wearing masks while on the sideline.

The league also is investigating the New Orleans Saints organization after players were caught on camera celebrating without masks in the locker room following a blowout win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers two weeks ago.

Quite frankly, the message has been made clear: Follow the protocols, or receive punishment.

More must-reads: