NFL Releases New Guidelines For Vaccinated & Unvaccinated Players

CHARLOTTE, N.C. – The NFL and its players’ union have updated COVID-19 protocols to loosen restrictions for fully vaccinated players and to encourage others to get the vaccine. Unvaccinated players must continue to get daily testing, wear masks and practice physical distancing. They will not be allowed to eat meals with teammates, nor can they participate in media or marketing activities while traveling, and are not permitted to use the sauna or steam room and may not leave the team hotel or interact with people outside the team while traveling. The vaccinated players will not have any of those restrictions.

Panthers running back Christian McCaffrey was asked about the new guidelines Wednesday. He said he hadn’t seen them yet. When was asked if he was vaccinated, he replied, “Umm, I don’t want to comment on that.”

Panthers quarterback Sam Darnold was also asked about his thoughts on the new guidelines and vaccination status. He replied, “Just gonna keep it between me and my tight circle but again, those decisions are being made by very smart people and people that you know, know what they’re doing.”

Our question of the night: are the NFL’s new COVID-19 guidelines fair?

This episode’s panel features:
WCCB TV’s Morgan Fogarty
WCCB News @ Ten anchor Drew Bollea
WCCB Sports anchor Zach Aldridge