League expands mask mandate, threatens to discipline violators
The NFL has expanded its mandate for mask usage on the sideline and is threatening discipline for those who violate the updated COVID19 protocols.
The league told teams in a memo on Monday that players who are not substituting or preparing to enter the field of play and are not wearing their helmets will be required to wear a mask or a doublelayered gaiter on the sideline, starting this week.
Playcallers now must wear a mask even if they have a face shield. Postgame interactions between players and staff will be limited. Also, players and team personnel must wear masks and may briefly greet opponents after games.
“Players who fail to wear masks on the sidelines will be subject to discipline,” the league said in its memo. “Clubs are required to enforce these rules. Violations by players and/ or staff will result in accountability measures being imposed upon the club. It is strongly recommended that each club designate one or two individuals in the bench area to ensure compliance with these rules.”
The league is also reducing the maximum number of players that may travel to 62. Any player who travels to a game, including injured who are not eligible to play, will count against the 62player maximum.
Starting in Week 13, all members of a team’s traveling party are required to wear N95 or KN95 masks on team planes and buses.
Starting Nov. 30, access to a team’s training facility will be limited to essential football and support personnel during the times players and coaches are present.
The league is also limiting the number of specialists such as chiropractors, massage therapists and barbers that may enter a club’s facility each week to five.
Garrett out again: Browns star defensive end Myles Garrett will miss this week’s game against Jacksonville as he continues to recover from the coronavirus. Garrett tested positive last Friday and sat out Sunday’s 2217 win over the Eagles.
Coach Kevin Stefanski did not provide any details on Garrett’s condition Monday other than saying the team is adhering to the intensive protocols put in place by the league and players’ union on the virus and the 24yearold will not be cleared in time to face the Jaguars.
Sweeney has inflamed heart: Bills tight end Tommy Sweeney will miss the remainder of the season after being diagnosed with an inflamed heart, which is considered a COVID19 aftereffect.
Coach Sean McDermott said a team doctor discovered Sweeney had myocarditis during an examination to determine whether he could resume practicing.
The secondyear player has been sidelined by a foot injury since the team opened training camp in July, and began the season on the physically unable to perform list. Sweeney was then placed on the team’s reserveCOVID19 list on Oct. 24.
McDermott said cornerback Josh Norman remains on the team’s COVID19 list a little over a week after testing positive.