BUFFALO, N.Y. (WBEN) - Arguably, the Buffalo Bills could be off to their best season in 30 years. Josh Allen is a top tier quarterback, the team has a burning defense and a solid coaching staff.
But the Bills are suddenly at a competitive disadvantage based on their Covid vaccination rate. The Bills have one of the lowest rates in the league at around 80% according to General Manager Brandon Beane, who was asked about it earlier in the week. Most teams are at 90% or better.
"I think a dark cloud looms over what could be a very promising season," said Bills Play by Play man John Murphy.
The Bills broadcaster is referring to Covid-19. "It's pre-season now so there's no distraction. But it hovers like a black cloud over the start of the season."
Just this week, two wide receivers, Isiah McKenzie and Cole Beasley were fined over 14K each for violating the NFL's mask mandate and a total of four players are suspended from team activities due to a Covid exposure from a vaccinated staff member.
[shortcode-inline-related expand="1" link="/wben/local-sports/bills/bills-mcdermott-frustrated-by-teams-low-vaccination-rate" headline=""I can't make the decision for them." Bills' McDermott frustrated by team's low vaccination rate" image="/media-library/image.jpg?id=63622090"]"I understand Coach McDermott's frustration," said Murphy. "Regardless of what you think of vaccinations, or the efficacy of the vaccine, there are rules for vaccinated and unvaccinated players. The rules were agreed to by the player's union and the league itself," he said.
If a player violates a rule, the Bills are forced to follow the NFL protocol. "I believe McDermott is trying to respect players' wishes, and not compelling them to get the vaccine, but it seems to me, that is clearly the easiest solution to the problem."
What if the current Covid situation happens two weeks from now or beyond?
"It could, or might," said Murphy. "If you have four starters who are forced to sit out for four or five days, depending on the timing, they might miss a game.
If you took Cole Beasley and others out of the lineup for a regular season game, the Bills are a different team. And not as good a team as they would be with those players.
The Bills will have their final preseason game against the Green Bay Packers Saturday afternoon at Highmark Stadium.
