NFL REDUCING COVID-19 ISOLATION TIME
The NFL is reducing isolation time for players who test positive for COVID-19 and are asymptomatic, including unvaccinated players, to five days from 10.
The league and the NFL Players Association revised the protocols Tuesday after the CDC changed its guidelines for those who are asymptomatic, recommending a fiveday isolation period and masking over the second five days.
The changes could allow Colts quarterback Carson Wentz to return for Sunday’s key game against Las Vegas after Indianapolis placed him on the reserve/COVID-19 list.
It was not immediately clear whether Wentz tested positive for the virus or was deemed a close contact to someone else who had tested positive. However, if Wentz has no symptoms, he could be cleared to play, even though he reportedly is unvaccinated. His backup is rookie Sam Ehlinger, who has played in three games but has not thrown a pass this season.
In a memo sent to teams and obtained by The Associated Press, players and essential football personnel can return under the following conditions:
• Five days have passed since a positive COVID-19 test.
• At least 24 hours have passed since the individual last had a fever without the use of fever-reducing medications.
• Other symptoms, including a cough, have resolved or improved.
• The club’s head primary care sports medicine physician, after consultation with Infection Control for Sports and notification of the NFL chief medical officer, determines that the individual may return to the club facility and interact with other club employees/contractors.
• Any local regulations or requirements are satisfied.
Fully vaccinated individuals may continue to “test out” of isolation sooner than five days after the positive test, and should stop testing at Day 5 and return under the updated guidance, assuming all other perquisites have been satisfied.
Masks must be worn on the sideline and at all times except when playing and practicing for five days after return.
Masks must be worn by all players and staff indoors at team facilities. Players and staff are not permitted to eat together. A limit of 15 people applies for weight rooms. Also, even fully vaccinated staff and players are encouraged to avoid public areas including restaurants, bars and social gatherings.
Chargers update
The new guidelines could significantly impact the Chargers for their game Sunday against Denver. Under the former guidelines, the Chargers on Monday ruled out wide receiver Mike Williams, cornerback Chris Harris Jr. and safety Nasir Adderley for the
game.
The new protocols now mean each could play if the symptom specifications are met.
Among the other Chargers still on the COVID list are edge rusher Joey Bosa, center
Corey Linsley, cornerback
Michael Davis, wide receiver Jalen Guyton and safety Alohi Gilman.
Four additional players were added Tuesday — kicker
Dustin Hopkins, long snapper
Matt Overton, cornerback
Davontae Harris and backup tackle Trey Pipkins III.
The Chargers also activated five players off the COVID-19 reserve list: starting defensive lineman Justin Jones, backup quarterback
Chase Daniel, kick returner
Andre Roberts, rotational edge rusher Chris Rumph II and reserve offensive lineman
Senio Kelemete.
The moves left the team with 18 players — 14 on the active roster and four on the practice squad — on the COVID list.
Jaguars search for coach
The Jacksonville Jaguars lined up eight interviews for their head coaching vacancy, including five coordinators who are headed to the playoffs.
The Jaguars requested permission to interview: both Dallas coordinators, Kellen Moore and Dan Quinn; both Tampa Bay coordinators, Byron Leftwich and Todd Bowles; and Green Bay offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett. They also requested a sit-down with Indianapolis defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus on the first day teams with vacancies can start the hiring process.
Jacksonville also plans to interview two former NFL head coaches, Jim Caldwell (Detroit, Indianapolis) and Doug Pederson (Philadelphia).
Notable
Tampa Bay Buccaneers coach Bruce Arians has tested positive for COVID-19 and is currently isolating at home. The team said assistant head coach/run game coordinator Harold Goodwin will serve as interim head coach in Arians’ absence. The reigning Super Bowl champions visit the New York Jets on Sunday.
• Patriots rookie quarterback Mac Jones could be without his top backup against the Jaguars after veteran Brian Hoyer was added to the reserve/COVID-19 list, along with linebackers Josh Uche and Brandon King.
• The Green Bay Packers placed tight end Marcedes Lewis and linebacker Oren Burks on the reserve/ COVID-19 list.
• The Tennessee Titans added linebacker Jayon Brown, defensive end Denico Autry and practice squad receiver Cody Hollister, who has played three of the past four games including one start, to the reserve/COVID-19 list.