The NFL just sent a memo to the remaining playoff clubs with a significant update to COVID testing cadence — eliminating the distinction between vaccinated and unvaccinated players, who will no longer be subject to daily testing, per sources.
The change is based on info gathered the past month on the Omicron variant and was approved by the NFLPA. All players and tiered staff will be subject to enhanced symptom screening, symptom-based testing and targeted surveillance testing.
NFL and NFLPA medical experts are seeing the Omicron wave receding, targeted testing is working and no complications with new 5-day return rule. Also, they’re not seeing unvaccinated people shedding virus longer as with previous variants. So all sides comfortable with this shift.
The NFL informed clubs that unvaccinated players who tested positive for COVID-19 in recent days -- including #Colts QB Carson Wentz and LB Darius Leonard and #Chargers WR Mike Williams -- are now eligible to play Sunday provided symptoms have improved, per sources.
Here’s the full NFL memo to clubs, which also notes that fully vaccinated individuals can still “test out” and return in less than 5 days. Unvaccinated players out 5 days since the initial positive specimen was collected.
Note that return to play isn't contingent on being asymptomatic. You need:
- 5 days since initial positive swab
- At least 24 hours since last fever
- Other symptoms (e.g. cough) "resolved or improved"
- Cleared by team doctor in consultation with ICS and NFL
The NFL and NFLPA have agreed to updated COVID protocols. Statement from the league:
Most notable from a competitive perspective: There are now more ways for fully vaccinated players and staff to “test out” of COVID protocols and return from quarantine in less than 10 days. It’s very technical but should mean more players and coaches returning sooner.
The key is the individual must be asymptomatic, as a majority of the players who tested positive the past few days have been. Return is possible as soon as the day after the initial positive test.
The NFL just informed clubs that if a game cannot be rescheduled during the 18-week season in 2021 due to a COVID outbreak among unvaccinated players, the team with the outbreak will FORFEIT and be credited with a loss for playoff seeding, per sources.
Massive implications.
Here’s more from today’s memo, which also says the team responsible for a canceled game because of an outbreak among unvaccinated players/staff will be responsible for financial losses and subject to potential discipline from the commissioner. Wow.
The league intends to play its entire 272-game schedule over 18 weeks (17 games per club). And this is key:
"We do not anticipate adding a '19th week' to accommodate games that cannot be rescheduled within the current 18 weeks of the regular season."
The NFL and NFLPA have agreed to updated COVID-19 protocols for 2021 training camp and preseason, per source.
How different will life by for vaccinated and unvaccinated players? From the memo that just went to clubs:
Unvaccinated individuals -- including players -- also will be prohibited from gathering outside of the club facility or team travel, per the memo. This includes gathering for meetings, practices or training activities unless approved by the NFL and NFLPA.
Major developments for media: Fully vaccinated media will be permitted to conduct in-person interviews with players for the first time since early 2020. Unvaccinated media not allowed in press box, field, sidelines, locker room, etc.