NFL, union agree to reduce testing in asymptomatic vaccinated players

The NFL and NFLPA announced Saturday that they have updated their COVID-19 protocols, including changes in testing for vaccinated players and an opt-out for high-risk players.

The league will end weekly testing for vaccinated players in favor of targeted testing. Players will also receive stringent symptom screening prior to entering facilities, with only symptomatic players required to undergo testing.

Prior to the changes, all vaccinated players were tested weekly, whether they displayed symptoms or not.

Allen Sills, the NFL's chief medical officer, said the league is "emphasizing personal responsibility" in regards to players reporting symptoms, according to NFL Network's Mike Garafolo.

Vaccinated players deemed a high-risk contact will also be tested. The league will provide home testing kits and make voluntary testing available.

There are no changes for unvaccinated players, who will continue to undergo daily testing.

The league and union also agreed to allow high-risk players the ability to opt out of the remainder of the season. The deadline to opt out is Dec. 20 at 2:00 p.m. ET. Players who opt out will not be entitled to further compensation for the 2021 campaign.

The updated policies come in light of concerns regarding vaccinated, asymptomatic players missing games after testing positive.

The NFL and players' association released updated COVID-19 protocols Thursday. Those alterations relaxed the return-to-play guidelines in hopes of making it easier for vaccinated and asymptomatic players to rejoin the team.

There's been an uptick in COVID-19 cases across the NFL in the last week. The league has already postponed three Week 15 games due to outbreaks within the Cleveland Browns, Los Angeles Rams, and Washington Football Team.

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