Two NFL teams remain below 50 percent COVID-19 vaccination threshold, compared

While training camps across the NFL are expected to open in less than two weeks, some teams could be at a competitive disadvantage due to their vaccination rates. According to Tom Pelissero of the NFL Network, two teams remain vaccinated at less than 50%. This is improved from four clubs below this threshold, which Rob Maaddi of the Associated press noted in a report released Thursday. The Los Angeles Chargers, Washington football team, Indianapolis Colts and Arizona Cardinals would be the teams with the four lowest COVID-19 vaccination rates in the league on Thursday, according to the AP source, who spoke on condition of anonymity, but it’s unclear which ones are still below 50%.

Meanwhile, the NFL Network adds that 13 teams have passed the 85% vaccine threshold and 73.8% of players have at least one shot. the PA adds that the Pittsburgh Steelers, Miami Dolphins, Carolina Panthers and Denver Broncos are among the teams with the highest vaccination rates.

Maaddi notes that teams need to have a method to easily identify those who have been vaccinated (e.g., identifying information, color-coded wristbands, etc.). While fully vaccinated players face relaxed protocols this season, unvaccinated players will need to undergo daily testing, wear masks and practice social distancing. Other restrictions include a ban on eating meals with teammates, participating in media or marketing activities while traveling, using the sauna or steam room, and being confined to the team’s hotel. during the trip. Vaccinated players have no such restrictions.

These vaccination numbers are especially important as we not only approach the start of the NFL regular season, but the COVID-19 pandemic continues to be a thorn in the side of professional sports in the United States. The Red Sox-Yankees game scheduled for Thursday to start the second half of the MLB season has been postponed due to an outbreak at the New York clubhouse. The US basketball team’s exhibition with Australia has been canceled due to health and safety concerns after star goalkeeper Bradley Beal was sent home and will no longer compete in the Olympics.

the PA reports that the NFL has no plans to postpone games this season, so naturally teams with fewer vaccinated players are opening up to playing under less than ideal conditions. There was arguably no better example of this in 2020 than when the entire Broncos quarterback was ineligible to play in Week 12 due to COVID-19, propelling wide receiver Kendall Hinton. as the team’s starting quarterback. If teams want to avoid a similar scenario and have a fully equipped squad for a weekly match, having a high vaccination rate is paramount.