If a COVID-19 epidemic occurs among nonvaccinated athletes, NFL teams may be forced to forfeit regular-season games, with players on both teams receiving no compensation.
“We learned last year that if we stick to our health and safety standards and make the necessary modifications in reaction to changing conditions, we can play a complete season,” Goodell said.
He also stated that the league has no plans to create the 19th week to accommodate games that must be rescheduled due to coronavirus concerns.
The forfeiting team would be given a defeat and the opposing team would be given a victory for postseason seeding reasons.
If a viral epidemic occurs as a result of an “increase in vaccinated persons,” the document states, “We shall endeavor to minimize the competitive and economic impact on both participating teams.”
Vaccinations are not required by the NFL. The NFL Players Association and the league, on the other hand, are pushing club workers and players to do so.
The regular season has been increased to 17 games for 2021.
More than half of the league’s clubs have COVID-19 vaccination rates of more than 80%, and more than 75% of players are in the process of being vaccinated, according to the league. By the end of next week, all training camps will be open.
Vaccination of Tier 1 and 2 personnel — mainly players, coaches, and other club members who have direct contact with the players — is nearly universal. In accordance with the April guideline, teams have established suitable processes for employees who have not been vaccinated.
In response to Goodell’s message, the players’ union reminded its members that “the same fundamental regulations applied last year.”
“The protocols we decided on together helped us go through a whole season without missing game inspections last year, and they are effective when followed.”
Ezekiel Elliott, a Dallas Cowboys running back who was afflicted with the coronavirus last year, termed the vaccination “a sensitive issue,” though he said he had been inoculated.
In terms of possible forfeits, he added:
The league’s message also contains the following essential points:
— If a vaccinated individual test positive but is asymptomatic, he or she will be separated and contact tracing will be conducted as soon as possible. After two negative tests spaced at least 24 hours apart, the positive individual will be allowed to return to duty and will be tested every two weeks or as recommended by the medical professionals. Individuals who have been vaccinated will not be placed in quarantine as a result of close contact with an infectious person.
— COVID-19 infection survivors will be deemed completely immunized 14 days after receiving at least one dose of an authorized vaccine.