RESTRICTIONS TO EASE?
The NFL has plans to eliminate some restrictions from its current COVID-19 protocols for vaccinated players, coaches and personnel.
In a memo sent to the 32 teams Wednesday and obtained by The Associated Press, the league detailed potential amendments to the protocols used throughout the 2020 season and current offseason. Among the elements that could be eliminated are the need to participate in daily testing; quarantine periods due to close contact with an infected individual; and/or refraining from social gatherings among other vaccinated individuals.
“It is also anticipated that clubs that achieve a certain rate of vaccination among its tiered staff and players may be permitted to relax restrictions that apply to meetings, meal time and use of locker rooms,” the memo said.
On Tuesday, after the first of two days of virtual meetings among the team owners, Commissioner Roger Goodell noted the value of pursuing coronavirus vaccines.
“We will be encouraging all personnel to get vaccinated and working with the players association on all these issues,” Goodell said. “We are also using our platforms publicly to talk about the importance of getting vaccinations.”
Goodell also mentioned the hope that the 2021 season will be fully attended by fans. That would be subject to local COVID-19 rules and protocols.
“We’re discussing plans to welcome back all fans across the country at all stadiums,” he said. “All of us want to see every one of our fans back. Football is not the same without fans, and we expect to have full stadiums in the upcoming season.”
The league has given the teams permission to begin offseason programs on April 19. Most of those are voluntary, with the exception of mandatory minicamp in June. However, NFL Players Association President JC Tretter argued again on Wednesday that the coronavirus-caused elimination of such things as organized team activities (OTAs) and minicamps did more good than harm in 2020.
Tretter noted a 23 percent decrease in time missed for injuries, 30 percent reduction in concussions, drops in all categories of lower extremity strains and ACL tears within the five-year average, and a 45 percent decrease in heat-related illnesses.
Seahawks extend Lockett
The Seahawks and veteran wide receiver Tyler Lockett have agreed to a fouryear contract extension that includes $37 million guaranteed, according to a person with knowledge of the deal.
The person spoke to The Associated Press on Wednesday on the condition of anonymity because the extension had not been announced by the team.
ESPN first reported the deal, which could be worth more than $69 million over the life of the contract.
The deal locks up Russell Wilson’s favorite target for the foreseeable future and will likely help Seattle in its attempts to ease a salary cap crunch for the 2021 season.
WFT buyout approved
Daniel Snyder’s purchase of his Washington Football Team co-owners’ shares was approved unanimously by his fellow NFL team owners Wednesday, putting control of the team entirely with him and his family members.
Owners ratified a resolution granting Snyder a $450 million debt waiver and approving his $875 million buyout of the ownership stakes of Dwight Schar, Fred Smith and Robert Rothman, which totaled about 40 percent of the franchise.