NFL players across the league are landing on the reserve/COVID-19 list at an alarming rate and the Chicago Bears are no exception. On Thursday, the team announced six more players landed on the list.
Tight end Jesse James, linebacker Joel Iyiegbuniwe, wide receiver Allen Robinson, safety Eddie Jackson, running back Ryan Nall, and practice squad wide receiver Isaiah Coulter were all added to the list.
They join tackle Larry Borom, defensive end Mario Edwards, nose tackle Eddie Goldman, cornerback Artie Burns, offensive tackle Elijah Wilkinson, and practice squad linebacker Sam Kamara, bringing the player total to 12.
#Bears roster moves:
We have signed DL Auzoyah Alufohai and have placed the following players on Reserve/COVID-19:
TE Jesse James
LB Joel Iyiegbuniwe
WR Allen Robinson II
DB Eddie Jackson
RB Ryan Nall
WR Isaiah Coulter (PS)— Chicago Bears (@BearsPR) December 16, 2021
In addition to the players, offensive coordinator Bill Lazor, defensive coordinator Sean Desai, and special teams coordinator Chris Tabor were placed on the list Thursday as well.
The Bears are just one of many teams dealing with many players landing on the COVID-19 list this week, though the league did recently revamp their protocols. As ESPN’s Kevin Seifert points out, these changes allow players to potentially return to the team quicker if they meet certain requirements.
The NFL has updated some of its COVID-19 protocols in light of this week’s surge. Of particular note are new rules governing a return to play/practice after positive test for vaccinated people. Basically, the timeline for return could be quicker. pic.twitter.com/xfL0yF4T1w
— Kevin Seifert (@SeifertESPN) December 16, 2021
As part of their roster moves, the Bears also announced the signing of defensive lineman Auzoyah Alufohai to the roster. Alufohai spent time on the Bears practice squad earlier this year before joining the Green Bay Packers practice squad last month.
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