Here Are All The Big NFL Names Sidelined By Covid-19

Topline

With a slew of NFL teams struggling with their biggest Covid-19 outbreaks yet, the league on Friday made its first postponements of the season, and some of the league’s biggest names have been sidelined by the disease, including two high-profile head coaches and several former All-Pros.

Key Facts

Key Background

Cleveland, Los Angeles and Washington all have 20 or more  players each who are Covid positive. The NFL is shifting the three teams’ Week 15 games back two days. Though this decision was made in consultation with the players union and medical experts, according to the league, not all were happy with the postponements: Las Vegas Raiders owner Mark Davis, whose team will now play the Browns on Monday instead of Saturday, told ESPN the delay is a “competitive disadvantage to the Raiders.”

Tangent

The NFL announced stricter Covid protocols Thursday in response to the wave of cases. The new restrictions include requiring masking for all players and personnel in indoor team facilities regardless of vaccination status and barring indoor meetings. Additionally, the NFL set new guidelines for fully vaccinated individuals to allow them to return to action more quickly after an initial positive Covid-19 test.

Further Reading

NFL Reportedly Planning Its First Covid Postponements Of 2021 Season (Forbes)

NFL Tightens Covid Protocols But Allows Players To Return Faster To Play After Testing Negative (Forbes)

Here’s How The NBA, NFL, NHL And EPL Are Handling Record Covid-19 Outbreaks (Forbes)

NFL Reportedly Has Most-Ever Positive Covid-19 Tests In A Single Day (Forbes)