How many days do NFL players in covid-19 protocols have to self-isolate?

The NFL and the NFL Players Association have agreed to cut the mandatory quarantine period for players who test positive for covid-19 from 10 to five days. The shortened isolation time will only apply to asymptomatic individuals, whether they are vaccinated or not.

Under previous rules, unvaccinated players with positive covid-19 results were required to quarantine themselves for ten days.

Clearing protocols

To clear protocol, the person must have recovered from their fever without taking medication and resolved other symptoms of the illness, and then they need to be cleared by the team physician.

Vaccinated players can rejoin their teams as soon as they get negative results from two tests taken at the same time.

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The updated guidelines were made in line with the new recommendations by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention which were released yesterday. The CDC said the person must wear a mask for five days after exiting isolation when around other people.

impact on covid-hit teams

This latest development could immediately affect some teams who have been hit by more people entering reserve/covid-19 protools. Unvaccinated players, including Indianapolis Colts quarterback Carson Wentz, may be able to play in this week’s games if they pass the new requirements.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers coach Bruce Arians who just tested positive may also be able to rejoin the team for their Sunday game against the New York Jets.

The league has recently seen an alarming increase in the number of covid-19 cases, causing game postponements and depleting team rosters. More than 500 players have tested positive in the past two weeks..