Currently, figures show that 95% of NFL players as well as nearly 100% of NFL staff members have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19. With only eight teams having made it to the playoffs, 12 unvaccinated players who will be subject to these guidelines remain.

According to the memo, the NFL’s decision to implement these latest guidelines was made with government health guidelines in mind. The memo stated: “This comprehensive, symptom-based approach to testing reflects our recent experience with the omicron variant and conforms to current public health recommendations and best practices employed in healthcare, and offers the best opportunity for identifying and treating cases promptly and avoiding spread within the facility.”

The decision to halt daily testing also came after it was found that the majority of players who were affected by the recent spike in the Omicron variant appeared asymptomatic after testing positive. During the peak of the spread, from December 12 to January 8, 756 players and 478 staff members tested positive.

The post NFL Halts Daily COVID-19 Testing appeared first on yoursportspot.com.

The league made the decision to move the game provisionally to either Monday or Tuesday after the Titans announced that their team facilities would be closed until Sunday. The players who tested positive, DaQuan Jones, Beau Brinkley, and Tommy Hudson, are at home with flu-like symptoms along with a handful of staffers.

While the outbreak is currently confined to just a few players, there is a possibility that more positives could show up in the next few days, which could change the league’s plans.

In the meantime, Titans players will be tasked with working out at their homes or alone while attempting to prepare for a game in less than a week’s time after virtually no team practices. At most, the Titans might be allowed just one practice session over the weekend if enough negative tests are recorded.

The only thing which is clear at this point is that the scheduled Sunday game between the undefeated Titans and the undefeated Steelers will have to wait at least a couple of days to be played.

The post Sunday’s Steelers-Titans Game Postponed After COVID-19 Positives appeared first on yoursportspot.com.

Thomas, who has spent the majority of his six-year professional career with the Kansas City Chiefs, joined the Ravens last November after being released by his former team.

While Thomas began his career as a receiver and kick/punt returner, he has focused on the latter over the past couple of seasons. This position has allowed for him to utilize his excellent speed and agility, and he became the Ravnes’ primary punt returner after joining last season.

The Los Angeles native was set to fill the same role for Baltimore this season, but concerns with the coronavirus caused him to make the decision not to play this season. This means that he will receive a $150,000 base payment for the season, but this season’s contract will toll to next year.

The Ravens will now have to explore other kick and punt return options for the upcoming season, which could include players such as sixth-round draft pick James Proche, who had experience in college returning punts, and running back Justice Hill.

The post Ravens’ De’Anthony Thomas Opts Out of 2020 Season appeared first on yoursportspot.com.

Hightower joins fellow Patriots running back Brandon Bolden, FB Danny Vitale, OT Marcus Cannon, and OL Najee Toran, who have all decided to opt out well before the season is set to start. As per agreement with the Players Association, players considered high risk will receive $350,000, while players who opt out not considered high risk, will receive $150,000.

Playing without Hightower will be a big hit to the Patriots’ defense. The 30-year-old is a team captain and calls the defensive signals. He was set to take an even larger role on the field this year after linebackers Kyle Van Noy and Jamie Collins left via free agency.

The versatile linebacker has played all over the field for the Patriots and has made some big plays in the playoffs to help New England win 3 Super Bowls during his career. The Covid-19 pandemic adds additional intrigue to a tumultuous offseason for the Patriots, after franchise QB Tom Brady signed with Tampa Bay in March.

The post Hightower Joins Long List of Patriots Opting Out of 2020 Season appeared first on yoursportspot.com.

Currently, figures show that 95% of NFL players as well as nearly 100% of NFL staff members have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19. With only eight teams having made it to the playoffs, 12 unvaccinated players who will be subject to these guidelines remain.

According to the memo, the NFL’s decision to implement these latest guidelines was made with government health guidelines in mind. The memo stated: “This comprehensive, symptom-based approach to testing reflects our recent experience with the omicron variant and conforms to current public health recommendations and best practices employed in healthcare, and offers the best opportunity for identifying and treating cases promptly and avoiding spread within the facility.”

The decision to halt daily testing also came after it was found that the majority of players who were affected by the recent spike in the Omicron variant appeared asymptomatic after testing positive. During the peak of the spread, from December 12 to January 8, 756 players and 478 staff members tested positive.

The post NFL Halts Daily COVID-19 Testing appeared first on yoursportspot.com.

The league made the decision to move the game provisionally to either Monday or Tuesday after the Titans announced that their team facilities would be closed until Sunday. The players who tested positive, DaQuan Jones, Beau Brinkley, and Tommy Hudson, are at home with flu-like symptoms along with a handful of staffers.

While the outbreak is currently confined to just a few players, there is a possibility that more positives could show up in the next few days, which could change the league’s plans.

In the meantime, Titans players will be tasked with working out at their homes or alone while attempting to prepare for a game in less than a week’s time after virtually no team practices. At most, the Titans might be allowed just one practice session over the weekend if enough negative tests are recorded.

The only thing which is clear at this point is that the scheduled Sunday game between the undefeated Titans and the undefeated Steelers will have to wait at least a couple of days to be played.

The post Sunday’s Steelers-Titans Game Postponed After COVID-19 Positives appeared first on yoursportspot.com.

Thomas, who has spent the majority of his six-year professional career with the Kansas City Chiefs, joined the Ravens last November after being released by his former team.

While Thomas began his career as a receiver and kick/punt returner, he has focused on the latter over the past couple of seasons. This position has allowed for him to utilize his excellent speed and agility, and he became the Ravnes’ primary punt returner after joining last season.

The Los Angeles native was set to fill the same role for Baltimore this season, but concerns with the coronavirus caused him to make the decision not to play this season. This means that he will receive a $150,000 base payment for the season, but this season’s contract will toll to next year.

The Ravens will now have to explore other kick and punt return options for the upcoming season, which could include players such as sixth-round draft pick James Proche, who had experience in college returning punts, and running back Justice Hill.

The post Ravens’ De’Anthony Thomas Opts Out of 2020 Season appeared first on yoursportspot.com.

Hightower joins fellow Patriots running back Brandon Bolden, FB Danny Vitale, OT Marcus Cannon, and OL Najee Toran, who have all decided to opt out well before the season is set to start. As per agreement with the Players Association, players considered high risk will receive $350,000, while players who opt out not considered high risk, will receive $150,000.

Playing without Hightower will be a big hit to the Patriots’ defense. The 30-year-old is a team captain and calls the defensive signals. He was set to take an even larger role on the field this year after linebackers Kyle Van Noy and Jamie Collins left via free agency.

The versatile linebacker has played all over the field for the Patriots and has made some big plays in the playoffs to help New England win 3 Super Bowls during his career. The Covid-19 pandemic adds additional intrigue to a tumultuous offseason for the Patriots, after franchise QB Tom Brady signed with Tampa Bay in March.

The post Hightower Joins Long List of Patriots Opting Out of 2020 Season appeared first on yoursportspot.com.