Nine NFL teams have hit 85 percent COVID-19 vaccination threshold

And then there were nine. 

Pro Football Talk (h/t Myles Simmons) reported Wednesday that nine NFL teams have now reached the 85% COVID-19 vaccination threshold among players that allows for the loosening of health and safety protocols related to the virus. Eight teams were above the 85% threshold for vaccinated players on Tuesday, up from seven as of Monday. 

Additionally, Simmons noted that 72% of NFL players have now received at least one vaccine shot. That number has increased from 70% on Monday and 71% Tuesday. 

While the NFL and NFL Players Association aren't releasing specific vaccination data for teams, previous reports have mentioned the Pittsburgh Steelers, Miami Dolphins, New Orleans Saints, and Denver Broncos among clubs that have reached or crossed the 85% threshold. 

"Virtually" all Tier 1 and Tier 2 non-playing personnel around the league are reportedly fully vaccinated. 

Players cannot be cut, fined or otherwise punished only for not getting jabbed, but those who remain unvaccinated or not fully vaccinated must continue to follow guidelines similar to those used last season beginning when training camps open later this month. The NFL considers employees and players fully vaccinated 14 days after they've received either a second required dose or a single Johnson & Johnson shot.