NFL announces changes to COVID-19 protocols

The NFL announced the following changes to the league-wide COVID-19 protocols for NFL teams amid concerns surrounding the Omicron variant.

"Throughout the pandemic we have continuously evolved our protocols to meet our goal of advancing the safety of the players, coaches and staff," the league declared via a statement issued by NFL Communications. "The changes we are making today aim to address the increase in cases and the advent of the Omicron variant. Effective immediately, all clubs will implement preventative measures that have proven effective: masking regardless of vaccination status, remote or outdoor meetings, eliminating in-person meals, and no outside visitors while on team travel. We will continue to strongly encourage booster shots as the most effective protection. Finally, and based on expert advice, we will adjust the return-to-participation requirements for those who have recovered from COVID-19. All of these changes are grounded in our data and science-backed approach, with safety our number-one goal for the entire NFL community."

On Wednesday, San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan said he and his staff expect to receive their vaccination boosters by next week, as required for all Tier 1 and Tier 2 personnel. The players, however, will have to decide for themselves what is best.

"That's something they have to decide, just like the vaccine," Shanahan said. "It's something that you can't plan as a team. You can hope it for the team. We have all but one (player) vaccinated, so I think we did pretty good there. We'll see how the guys feel about the booster."