NFL sets single-day record with 106 COVID-19 infections among players 'but may cut quarantine times in line with CDC guidelines': League mandates booster shots for media ahead of playoffs and Super Bowl LVI
The NFL set an unfortunate record on Monday by placing 106 players on the league's COVID-19 list, nearly doubling the previous single-day mark.
All of the players have tested positive for the virus, including 96 who were found to be infected during Monday's screenings, according to NFL Network.
The league and players' union are currently discussing new COVID-19 protocols following the CDC recommendation that quarantine time for vaccinated individuals be reduced from 10 days to five, according to ESPN's Chris Mortensen. The NBA made a similar move on Monday, cutting isolation times for vaccinated players to six days.
The NFL is also mandating booster shots for league media, who will need to receive the injection by January 12 in order to apply for playoff and Super Bowl LVI credentials.
There will be several exceptions for media members, including:
- Those who are not eligible for a booster pursuant to the CDC definition; or
- Those who tested positive for COVID in the past 90 days; OR
- Those who received monoclonal antibodies within the immediately preceding 90 days
A fan holds a sign saying "We hate COVID! Go Browns!" during the second half of the game between the Cleveland Browns and the Las Vegas Raiders on December 20 in Cleveland
The NFL and players' union are currently discussing new COVID-19 protocols following the CDC recommendation that quarantine time for vaccinated individuals be reduced from 10 days to five. The NBA made a similar move on Monday, cutting isolation times for vaccinated players to six days
FOX sideline reporter Erin Andrews interviews Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (4) after the game between the Dallas Cowboys and the New York Giants on October 10. The NFL is also mandating booster shots for league media, who will need to receive the injection by January 12 in order to apply for playoff and Super Bowl LVI credentials
The Carolina Panthers sent all of their players home from Bank of America Stadium after six more players tested positive for COVID-19 on Monday.
That brings the total number of Carolina players on the COVID-19 list to 13.
Defensive end Brian Burns, linebacker Shaq Thompson, defensive end Marquis Haynes, defensive tackle Phil Hoskins, center Matt Paradis and defensive tackle Daviyon Nixon all tested positive on Monday. Paradis and Nixon were already on injured reserve.
Panthers coach Matt Rhule said the decision to send players home was made 'to stem the tide' and get things under control. The team will conduct its meetings virtually until then, and Rhule is hoping to have players back in the building for practice on Wednesday.
Raiders cornerback Casey Hayward tested positive for COVID-19 on Monday
The Panthers lost 32-6 to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday and have been eliminated from playoff contention. They visit the New Orleans Saints on Sunday.
To Indianapolis Colts coach Frank Reich, it was just a matter of time before his team would be adding a few players to the NFL's COVID-19 list.
The Colts placed safety Jahleel Addae, cornerback T.J. Carrie, linebacker Malik Jefferson, running back Marlon Mack and tackle Braden Smith on the list Monday. Smith has been a key member of the offensive line that has helped Jonathan Taylor lead the league in rushing. Cornerback Chris Wilcox went on the practice squad COVID-19 list.
'It's interesting that since we had more unvaxxed players than the average around the league that we were one of the last teams to (test) positive,' Reich said. 'You kind of feel like it's going to catch up with you at some point just because the virus is so rampant. But this is what you prepare for, hitting adversity you don't expect, although this is something we probably could have expected to hit us at some point.'
As for changes in operations this week, Reich said: 'There are going to be some elements that are virtual this week. It could be all meetings are virtual and guys just come in for practice.'
The Jacksonville Jaguars placed 10 players on the COVID-19 list Monday, including five defensive linemen and two starting offensive linemen.
Because left guard Andrew Norwell is unvaccinated, he will be out at least 10 days under NFL protocols and will miss Sunday's game at New England. The other nine players are vaccinated and have a chance to play against the Patriots.
Panthers linebacker Shaq Thompson is among 13 Carolina players in the league protocol
Meanwhile the Tennessee Titans got left guard Rodger Saffold and rookie defensive back Elijah Molden back from the COVID-19 list. They still have two other offensive linemen still on the list, and they also put four players - including three starters - on the list, including outside linebacker Bud Dupree, wide receiver Julio Jones, defensive back Buster Skrine and receiver Nick Westbrook-Ikhine. They also put cornerback Caleb Farley, who's on injured reserve, on the list.
Tennessee can clinch the AFC South for a second straight year with one victory or an Indianapolis loss. The Titans host Miami on Sunday.
The Tennessee Titans got left guard Rodger Saffold and rookie defensive back Elijah Molden back from the COVID-19 list. They still have two other offensive linemen still on the list, and they also put four players - including three starters - on the list, including outside linebacker Bud Dupree, wide receiver Julio Jones (pictured), defensive back Buster Skrine and receiver Nick Westbrook-Ikhine. They also put cornerback Caleb Farley, who's on injured reserve, on the list
The Cleveland Browns, who have been hit as hard as any team by COVID-19 the past few weeks, activated eight players, including defensive end Jadeveon Clowney and running back Kareem Hunt.
Clowney has missed the past two games -- both losses -- and his return will help a pass rush that hasn't been the same without him. Starting left tackle Jedrick Wills Jr. is also back. He's been replaced the last two games by left guard Joel Bitoni, who can slide back to his usual spot.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers, hard hit by injuries on offense, put star wideout Mike Evans on the COVID-19 list, but activated wide receiver Breshad Perriman from it. Evans missed Sunday's game with an injury. Wide receivers coach Kevin Garver also went on the list.
The Green Bay Packers placed G Ben Braden, LB Tipa Galeai, WR Amari Rodgers and LB Ty Summers on the list, and placed defensive lineman RJ McIntosh on the practice squad COVID-19 list.
The Houston Texans added RB David Johnson, LB Neville Hewitt and practice squad fullback Paul Quessenberry to the list.
The Cincinnati Bengals placed backup quarterback Brandon Allen and already-injured cornerback/kick returner Darius Phillips on the list. Phillips (shoulder), who was the Bengals' primary kick returner, has been on injured reserve since Dec. 9.
Allen has been the No. 2 quarterback behind starter Joe Burrow. The team will likely have to add a quarterback to the roster.
Starting defensive tackle D.J. Reader missed last Sunday's game after going on the COVID-19 list on December 20, the same day that starting cornerback Chidobe Awuzie came off it.
Cincinnati hosts Kansas City on Sunday.
Other NFL players who tested positive for COVID-19 include: San Francisco 49ers punter Mitch Wishnowsky, Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Casey Hayward, and Seattle Seahawks defensive end L.J. Collier.
A cheerleader for the Los Angeles Rams wears a mask during the second half of a game against the Seattle Seahawks at SoFi Stadium on December 21
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