NFL tweaks COVID-19 protocols to allow players to return sooner

The NFL has changed its COVID-19 protocols, allowing players to return sooner after testing positive – which is good news for the Rams.

A massive number of players have been placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list this week as a result of them testing positive, ranging from Jalen Ramsey to Baker Mayfield to Tyler Lockett. The Rams alone have 16 players on the list right now, with all of them landing there since Saturday.

Amid this outbreak across the league, the NFL has tweaked its COVID-19 protocols to not only implement stricter rules in team facilities, but also allow players who test positive to return sooner. The league sent a memo to teams on Thursday updating the policy, which can be seen in full below.

In short, individuals will now be required to wear masks regardless of vaccination status, there will be no more indoor meetings, and in-person meals are now prohibited. Additionally, no more than 15 people can be in the weight room. Teams will have to hold their meetings outdoors or remotely, similar to last year’s protocols.

As for a player’s return from the COVID-19 reserve list, there are a couple of different ways one can be activated. Asymptomatic players can return if they provide two negative PCR tests taken on the day of the positive test or thereafter. They may also return two negative PCR tests taken the day after the positive test or thereafter in order to be activated.

Additionally, players who return two negative Mesa tests taken the day after the positive test was taken or thereafter.

Essentially, a player is now able to return as early as one day after testing positive provided that they are asymptomatic and provide one negative test. Under the previous rules, a player had to test negative twice at least 24 hours apart.

The Rams currently have 16 players on the COVID-19 list, including Ramsey, Rob Havenstein, Dont’e Deayon and Darrell Henderson Jr. They’ll host the Seahawks on Sunday afternoon, so it’s possible all 16 players will be able to return in time for the game, as long as they are vaccinated.

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