NFL warns of COVID forfeits
NFL teams that experience a COVID-19 outbreak among unvaccinated players could forfeit regular-season games, with players on both teams not getting paid.
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell warned the 32 teams Thursday in a memo obtained by the Associated Press that no games would be rescheduled under such circumstances. Instead, forfeits could happen.
Goodell said that the league does not anticipate adding a 19th week to accommodate games that need to be moved because of coronavirus issues.
“If a game can’t be rescheduled and is canceled due to a COVID outbreak among non-vaccinated players on one of the competing teams, the team with the outbreak will forfeit and will be deemed to have played 16 games for purposes of draft, waiver priority, etc.,” Goodell added.
The NFL has not made vaccinations mandatory. The league and the NFL Players Assn., however, are strongly urging team employees and players to get vaccinated.
New York Giants firstround draft pick Kadarius Toney tested positive for COVID-19 after reporting to training camp . ... New England Patriots cornerback Stephon Gilmore reported to training camp but will start it on the active/physically unable to perform list, along with seven Patriots teammates . ... Running back Saquon Barkley, coming off an ACL injury, is one of five Giants players starting training camp on the active/ PUP list . ... All-Pro middle linebacker Fred Warner signed a five-year extension with the San Francisco 49ers.