NFL adapts rule for unvaccinated
The NFL updated its COVID-19 protocols, no longer requiring participating unvaccinated players to wear masks during outdoor practice sessions.
In a memo to the 32 teams sent by the NFL Management Council and obtained by the Associated Press, the league said that beginning with the stretching portion of the workout through the end of practice, such players now can work unmasked. Once the practice concludes, they must put on a mask.
The same will be true for practices in a team’s “bubble,” the indoor practice facility.
So far, 88.5% of players have had at least one shot of the vaccine and 20 teams have more than 90% of players vaccinated, including eight with more than 95% vaccinated.
Injuries kept quarterback Carson Wentz and center Ryan Kelly out of the Indianapolis Colts practice, and offensive coordinator Marcus
Brady said it was unclear when Wentz may return . ... Miami Dolphins cornerback Xavien Howard, who has requested a trade via Instagram, did not practice because of an undisclosed injury . ... Former Pittsburgh Steelers and USC safety Troy Polamalu said on social media that he recently tested positive for COVID-19, a week before he will be enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Oklahoma and Texas accepted invitations to join the Southeastern Conference in July 2025 . ... The NCAA Board of Governors called for a constitutional convention in November, the first step toward launching dramatic reform in how college sports is governed.
Milwaukee Bucks general manager Jon Horst said Giannis Antetokounmpo doesn’t need an offseason procedure for the left knee that the two-time MVP hyperextended during the team’s NBA title run . ... The Oklahoma City Thunder acquired Derrick Favors and a future first-round draft pick from the Utah Jazz in exchange for a 2027 second-round pick and cash considerations.
Annika Sorenstam shot a three-under 69, racing to finish before dark, to take a three-stroke lead in the U.S.
Senior Women’s Open in Fairfield, Conn. Playing partner Liselotte Neumann was second . ... New Zealand’s Daniel Hillier carded nine birdies in a second round 62 to claim the halfway lead in the World Invitational in Ballymena, Northern Ireland. Hillier is a shot ahead of Jordan Smith . In the women’s event, American
Emma Talley opened up a three-shot lead thanks to five birdies in the last six holes for a 65 at Massereene Golf Club.
Representatives of Jack Eichel released a statement saying “the process is not working,” in further opening a deepening rift between the Buffalo Sabres captain and the team over how to treat Eichel’s back injury . ... David
Krejci announced he is leaving the Boston Bruins after 14 NHL seasons to continue his career in his native Czech Republic . ... The Kings signed forward Lias Andersson toa one-year, two-way contract extension.
Leah Pruett led Top Fuel qualifying with a 3.780-second run at 321.88 mph in the Lucas Oil NHRA Winternationals at Auto Club Raceway in Pomona. Blake Alexander topped the Funny Car ladder,
Greg Anderson was the fastest in Pro Stock and Matt Smith led in Pro Stock Motorcycle.