NFL and NFLPA update COVID-19 protocols as cases spike throughout the league

These changes will go into effect immediately

The NFL and NFLPA released a memo to teams on Thursday afternoon detailing an update in the league's current COVID-19 protocols. This comes amid a spike of cases throughout the league -- and the country -- along with the new Omicron variant factoring into the equation. So far, there are over 100 players on the COVID-19 list with positive cases engulfing several clubs, particularly the Cleveland Browns, Los Angeles Rams, and Washington Football Team. 

"Throughout the pandemic we have continuously evolved our protocols to meet our goal of advancing the safety of the players, coaches and staff," the memo reads. "The changes we are making today aim to address the increase in cases and advent of the Omicron variant. Effective immediately, all clubs will implement preventative measures that have proven effective: masking regardless of vaccination status, remote or outdoor meetings, eliminating in-person meals, and no outside visitors while on team travel. 

"We will continue to strongly encourage booster shots as the most effective protection. Finally, and based on expert advance, we will adjust the return-to-participation requirements for those who have recovered from COVID-19. All of these changes are grounded in our data and science-backed approach, with safety our number-one goal for the entire NFL community." 

The memo goes into greater detail about the updated protocols that will go into effect immediately. As the opening statement noted, masking will be required when inside the team facility regardless of vaccination status. Masks will not be required outdoors or during practices and/or walkthroughs conducted in the practice bubble. Weight rooms may have no more than 15 players working out in a single room at one time regardless of vaccination status. In-person meetings are prohibited unless held outdoors or in the practice bubble with individuals physically distanced. 

As for "testing out" of quarantine, there are now more ways for fully vaccinated individuals to come off the reserve list, which is the most notable update as it relates to on-field play. While those avenues are a bit technical, the key will be for the individuals to be asymptomatic for at least 24 hours before those options could start going into motion.