With 62 positive tests and counting over two days, the NFL is in the midst of a significant COVID-19 outbreak.
Seven teams have been forced into enhanced protocols established in discussions between the league end players’ union earlier this year.
NFL testing data shared via the daily transaction log showed a single-day high 37 positive tests on Monday and the two-day total hit 75 on Tuesday.
By comparison, the league said 110 positive tests were recorded from Sept. 5-Nov. 27.
Sports Illustrated reported Wednesday that NFL owners and executives were informed that the league is discussing significant changes to COVID-19 protocols with the union.
The Cleveland Browns hit a league-high 14 positives, including practice squad players all the way up to quarterback Baker Mayfield and head coach Kevin Stefanski, while prepping for a short week. Cleveland hosts the Las Vegas Raiders on Saturday and NFL Network reported there have been no discussions about postponing the game.
In addition to the Browns and Washington Football Team, the Chicago Bears, Atlanta Falcons, Detroit Lions, Los Angeles Rams and Minnesota Vikings are in enhanced protocols.
Giants head coach Joe Judge announced Wednesday that the team went to virtual meetings after multiple players, wide receivers Kadarius Toney and John Ross and outside linebacker Oshane Ximines, tested positive.
Thirteen players on the Rams’ roster or practice squad are in enhanced protocols prior to testing Wednesday.
In Washington, the Football Team had 11 players on the reserve/COVID list as of the morning testing period on Wednesday.
The Lions played at Denver despite more than 20 players landing on the injury report due to illness on Friday. However, the team listed most of the players as out with “non-COVID illness” and quarterback Jared Goff was among the players to test negative last week despite feeling ill.
The Rams had to deactivate cornerback Jalen Ramsey before the “Monday Night Football” game with the Arizona Cardinals this week. The Rams since have expanded their reserve/COVID list to include wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr.
–Field Level Media
