As COVID-19 vaccinations in the U.S. are ramping up, the NFL is trying to figure out the best course of action in creating a safe environment for the 2021 season.
According to NBC Sports’ Peter King, the league and NFLPA are discussing whether or not to make COVID-19 vaccinations mandatory for each player in order to be eligible to play in the 2021 season.
The likelihood of that happening, however, is slim.
Per King, it is unlikely every player will be open to being vaccinated and that is a fight the league may not feel is worth picking with the union. At least three general managers around the league that he has spoken to believe there would be problems if players were forced to be vaccinated.
One GM told King that when a memo was sent to urge players to get their flu shot last year, only 10 players on his team voluntarily got it.
Another source told King that a decision does not need to be made immediately.
“Time is on our side,” he said.
The risk of COVID-19, and faith in the vaccine, could change within the next few months giving the league some patience on the issue.
But if there are not mandatory vaccinations in place for the 2021 season, there are still likely to be COVID protocols to follow.
While teams will be able to gather at their facilities for the NFL Draft from April 29-May 1, teams must submit their draft-room protocols to NFL chief medical officer Dr. Allen Sills, according to King.
League meetings, which will be held March 30 and 31, will again be virtual this year while training camp protocols are still to be determined.
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