NFL COVID-19 Protocol and Rules for 2021 season
COVID-19 Protocols for vaccinated vs unvaccinated players
IF vaccinated player tests positive for COVID-19
The player may be eligible to rejoin the team if he remains symptom-free AND has two negative tests 24 hours apart. Simply put, they could rejoin the team as soon as 48 hours after testing positive.
IF the vaccinated player has close contact with a COVID-19 positive person
That player will be tested for COVID-19, but will NOT be forced to isolate, as long as their test comes back negative and they are not displaying any symptoms.
The player will then be monitored over the next five days through daily testing while being required to wear a mask at the team’s facility
If an unvaccinated player tests positive for COVID-19
That player must isolate for a minimum of 10 days
At least 10 days have passed since the date symptoms of COVID-19 were first reported to Club medical staff; and
At least 24 hours have passed since the last fever without the use of fever-reducing medications; and
Other symptoms (e.g., cough, shortness of breath) have improved; and
Return approved by the Club physician, after consultation with ICS and notification of NFL Chief Medical Officer; and
Local regulations and requirements are satisfied.
For symptomatic infections that are categorized as mild, prior to team training and game play, player must complete a minimum 3-day progressive exercise protocol under team medical staff supervision with appropriate clinical monitoring before returning to full participation.
For moderate to severe infections (hospitalized), it is recommended that prior to team training and game play, the player complete a progressive exercise protocol for a minimum of 7 days or equal to twice the duration of the hospitalization.
If the unvaccinated player has “high risk” close contact with a COVID-19 positive individual
That player must isolate for five days, even if their initial test is negative.
They are tested every day.
If each test for the five days comes back negative, they are then permitted to return to the facility.
COVID-19 Practice squad rules
The team's practice squad continues to tackle on the same rules as last season due to COVID-19. Those rules include:
16 player practice squad (6 players can have unlimited NFL experience)
1 International Player Pathway exemption
The team's ability to block 4 PS players from signing elsewhere (weekly)
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