TAMPA, Florida – Tampa Bay Buccaneers coach Bruce Arians said Sunday that despite his team’s recent rise in COVID-19 cases, he believes the NFL’s proposal to try vaccinated players every seven days instead of every 14 days “it won’t help at all.” “
The NFL proposed this change in the pace of testing during a briefing Thursday and is awaiting a response from the NFLPA.
“I don’t think it would help at all,” said Arians, whose team had some of the lowest numbers in the league last season, but currently has four players on the reserve list / COVID-19. “It was fine with the rest of the protocols. If your computer is 100% vaccinated, I don’t know why you should try anything.”
The Aryans also expressed concern about the mild symptoms that keep players out for a longer period of time due to NFL rules. The four Tampa Bay players who have tested positive: defensive lineman Ndamukong Suh, kicker Ryan Succop and offensive linemen Nick Leverett and Earl Watford are fully vaccinated, sources told ESPN.
“The virus problem is worrisome because everyone has very, very mild symptoms. Things you wouldn’t miss a day’s work in your life. But now you’re out for ten days,” Arians said. “So I’m worried … that it can be transmitted so easily. If I sneeze and I put positive, that’s the biggest concern for me right now.”
Although those who are asymptomatic and vaccinated only need two negative tests 24 hours apart to return to action, those with mild symptoms should wait 10 mandatory days and complete a three-day progressive exercise protocol. under the team’s medical team before returning to full participation.
Arians still expect the four players to return in time for the Sept. 9 NFL pitching game against the Dallas Cowboys. But he is concerned about the additional positive evidence that may emerge given Florida’s status as one of the nation’s hotspots for cases.
“Ten days is still the maximum, so we’ll go back to everyone, but now those four days off and try again now with the new protocol, who knows?” Said Arians.
Last season, only four starters: running back Ronald Jones, left-back Donovan Smith, outfielder Shaq Barrett and inside defender Devin White, lost six combined games between the regular season and postseason due to their position in the reservation / COVID- 19 list. That was the main reason they won the Super Bowl.
Although Arians enacted strict rules for players traveling to the third preseason game in the Houston Texans, including family visits to the team and restaurants, it will not do so while the players are at home, at least for now. The NFL allows vaccinated people to go out to restaurants open to the public while traveling, but not to people who have not been vaccinated; they must wear masks inside the facility and among crowds.
However, the NFL also gives teams the authority to implement stricter protocols in cities experiencing outbreaks.
“No, that will be a personal thing,” Arians said. “Our guys are very, very smart about who to be with, where to be and how to handle themselves, so whether or not they go to restaurants and that sort of thing, we’ll talk about it later.”
The Tennessee Titans, who also deal with a cluster, have implemented mandatory masking inside, but by now Arians said this won’t be something he’s commanding, but they will implement changes.
“It’s something we’ll talk about as a team,” Arians said. “We will definitely go back to last year’s meetings where we are spread out. Because our facilities are so good, we can do that. That’s the most important thing. As for the masks, until you’re ready to wear them. one, I will not require anyone to wear any.
“When we get back together as Bucs in a few days, our guys are very, very aware of the situation and are willing to do whatever it takes to make sure it doesn’t affect our team.”