It seems as if fans will be packing the stands again for NFL teams this fall, but COVID is still very much an issue within the locker room.
Teams will reportedly need to reach an 85% threshold in order for relaxed health and safety protocols — which include removing masks — but not everyone is sure that their teams will reach that benchmark.
Buffalo Bills head coach Sean McDermott is among those concerned about it at Bills OTAs on Tuesday.
“I’m concerned about it,” he said. “As well as a lot of other things right now. … I don’t think the right word is to try to ‘convince.’ I think the right word is to educate and build awareness and let people decide.”
The health and safety protocols for the 2021 season have not yet been confirmed, but according to NBC Sports’ Peter King the league is likely to adopt something similar to the MLB system, which includes the 85% threshold for vaccinated personnel.
McDermott, as well as Bills GM Brandon Beane and owners Terry and Kim Pegula, hasbeen vaccinated and said the team is operating around 65-70% normal but would not get into who is or is not on the team.
Quarterback Josh Allen is among those who expressed skepticism about the vaccine.
McDermott pointed to what tight end Tommy Sweeney experience last year — missing the whole season due to COVID-19 — as one example to get vaccinated.
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