NFL covid protocol: what the new season will look like
The NFL decided to suspend all covid-19 protocols ahead of the 2022 season as the virus seemingly goes downwards. The league is now going ‘back to normal.’
On Thursday, the NFL and NFLPA agreed to suspend all covid-19 protocols in an attempt to put the pandemic behind it.
NFL’s reporter, Tom Pelissero writes that the decision is "effective immediately,'' and adds that "no more masks, tracking devices, mandatory surveillance testing or capacity limits” are required, unless the state and local law ask for it. Additionally, any teams who want to implement their own restrictions are free to do so.
"After nearly two years of restrictions - and not a single game lost to the pandemic - it's finally back to normal. Finally,'' said Pelissero.
While no NFL games were canceled during two seasons of pandemic football, many teams and athletes were affected by the virus. Over 100 players were placed on the covid-list in December of last year. In particular, the Cleveland Browns, Washington Commanders, and the Los Angeles Rams, each had 20 players on that list heading into Week 15.
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That fueled a lot of players’ demand for postponing games, like the NFL had done previously. Others, like Tampa Bay Bucs’ coach, Bruce Arians, were demanding less strict protocols. Arians was pushing for allowing asymptomatic players to play.
The league reflects that thinking with their latest decision.