The past few days of COVID-19 interference has wrecked havoc on the NFL. The wave of outbreaks came instantaneous within a 24 hour window. So it seemed anyway. From players to coaches — no one was exempt. Furthermore, the COVID rise in cases continues to rise as the winter is almost here. This is something the NFL will need to prepare for going into January when the NFL postseason gets underway. Unfortunately, the uncertainty challenges will challenge the season week to week from coast to coast.
The NFL Remains Vigilant during COVID Interference
Nevertheless, the show must go on. And the rise in cases is not only in the NFL. The new Omicron variant along with the onset of Delta has ravaged the NHL, NBA and NCAA. Games were cancelled. Players were in COVID protocol. And fans are exhausted.
Ultimately, the new world of outbreaks should be expected now going forward. In other words, there is good reason to believe COVID is here to stay in some form.
Recently, the NFL and the NFLPA met to negotiate new COVID protocols to make things easier for vaccinated asymptomatic players to be able to play from week to week. Testing for these players range from targeted testing to random tests. On the other hand, the handful of unvaccinated players still will get daily testing. This is a move to trudge through December and into the playoffs. Make no mistake, the move is not for player safety.
Unvaccinated players Threaten Continuity
Regardless, the bombardment of negative news involving the NFL and COVID needed to be addressed. Unvaccinated players look to be the target right now. However, asymptomatic players still threaten to spread the virus to unvaccinated players and anyone with underlying health issues. Not to mention, the new Omicron variant breaks through the vaccines protection. So even with two shots, players have no guarantees to be safe from contracting COVID. Still, the NFL continues to push booster shots to manage the numbers.
But at this time, playoffs looming — the NFL is looking to move on through the Super Bowl no matter what it takes. The key issues remains — can the NFL keep from dodging a star player being ruled out as the playoffs play out? Also, having asymptomatic players being exempt from testing gives more opportunity for the virus to pass onto unvaccinated players.
NFL Keeps Moving Forward
Another week like the past one promotes more uncertainty and bad press. People on the outside looking in will start to question the integrity of the games if more players start to test positive and are not able to play.
And other leagues are watching too. The NFL plays games inside for the most part, versus indoor arenas for basketball. The science agrees indoor spaces give more chances for the virus to spread. Still, the players are on their own after games and practices.
Moreover, many have elders or friends visit for the upcoming holidays. Inevitably, a player or coach at some point will be in contact with a person infected. Cases are continuing to climb. Breakthrough cases are abundant. The challenge to continue without more delays may be out of the NFL’s control.
Nonetheless, the flexibility of ever changing circumstances week to week is the challenge facing the NFL. How they handle it with the NFLPA’s input makes all the difference.
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