Aaron Rodgers will continue to be tested on the field, but not as much off of it.
The NFL is eliminating the distinction between vaccinated and unvaccinated players for the remainder of the postseason, according to multiple reports that uncovered a memo the league sent to the eight teams still standing.
No longer will unvaccinated players be subject to daily COVID-19 tests. Instead, they will join the procedures established for vaccinated players and be tested only if they are experiencing symptoms or if they are included in random testing.
The most recent data, released by the league last month, shows nearly 95 percent of NFL players are vaccinated and nearly 100 percent of staff are vaccinated. The change to the testing will only affect a few people.
According to ESPN, there are about 12 unvaccinated players remaining in the postseason, including the star Packers quarterback. Rodgers tested positive for the coronavirus in early November, and his 90-day break from testing (that follows a positive test) is set to expire soon.
“This comprehensive, symptom-based approach to testing reflects our recent experience with the omicron variant,” the memo read, according to ESPN, “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.”
Whatever the reasoning, there will be fewer positive tests that would keep NFL players out of the postseason or Super Bowl.
