Two NFL teams remain below the 50 percent COVID-19 vaccination threshold per report

With training camps set to open in less than two weeks across the NFL, some teams may see a competitive disadvantage because of their vaccination rates. According to Tom Pelissero of the NFL network, two teams remain vaccinated below 50%. This is enhanced by having four clubs below that threshold, which Rob Maaddi of the Associated press This was noted in a report released on Thursday. The Los Angeles Chargers, Washington Football Team, Indianapolis Colts and Arizona Cardinals were believed to be the teams with the four lowest COVID-19 vaccination rates in the league, according to data on Thursday APs Source who spoke on condition of anonymity, but it is unclear which two are still below 50%.

Meanwhile, the NFL network adds that 13 teams passed the 85% vaccination threshold and 73.8% of the players got at least one shot. The AP adds the Pittsburgh Steelers, Miami Dolphins, Carolina Panthers and Denver Broncos are among the teams with the highest vaccination rates.

Maaddi advises teams must have some method in place to easily identify vaccinated individuals (e.g. ID cards, color-coded wristbands, etc.). While fully vaccinated players face relaxed protocols this season, unvaccinated players must undergo daily tests, wear masks, and practice social distancing. Further restrictions include eating with teammates, participating in media or marketing activities during the trip, using the sauna or steam bath and being restricted to the team hotel during the trip. Vaccinated players have no such restrictions.

These vaccination numbers are particularly in focus as not only are we nearing the start of the NFL regular season, but the COVID-19 pandemic continues to be a thorn in the side of professional sports in the United States. The Red Sox Yankees game scheduled for Thursday at the start of the second half of the MLB season has been postponed due to an outbreak in the New York clubhouse. Team USA’s basketball exhibition with Australia has been canceled for health and safety reasons after Star Guard Bradley Beal was sent home and will no longer participate in the Olympics.

The AP reports that the NFL has no plans to postpone games this season, so teams with less vaccinated players are naturally opening up to playing in less than ideal conditions. There was arguably no better example of this in 2020 when the entire Broncos quarterback room was ineligible to play due to COVID-19 in Week 12 and wide receiver Kendall Hinton was the starting quarterback for the team. If teams want to avoid a similar scenario and go into a game weekly with a full squad, a high vaccination rate is paramount.