How Many NFL Players Tested Positive for COVID-19 in 2021?

At least 17 NFL players have tested positive for COVID-19 during the 2021 offseason, according to various reports.

Introduction

As the NFL season approaches, many fans are wondering how many players have tested positive for COVID-19. The league has not released any official numbers, but some reports suggest that as many as 20% of players could be infected.

If that number is accurate, it would mean that around 200 players out of the 1,000 or so on active rosters could be infected with the virus. That would be a significant increase from last year, when just four players tested positive during the entire season.

The increase in cases is likely due to the fact that more players are opting out of the 2020 season due to concerns about the virus. As of August 13th, 2020, 23 players have already announced that they will not be playing this year.

In addition to the increase in opt-outs, there have also been several high-profile positive tests among NFL staff members. New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick and Tennessee Titans head coach Mike Vrabel both tested positive for COVID-19 in July.

How many NFL players tested positive for COVID-19 in 2020?

During the 2020 NFL season, a total of 22 players tested positive for COVID-19, according to the league’s official website. This number includes both active and inactive players, as well as those who were on the reserve/COVID-19 list.

How many NFL players have tested positive for COVID-19 in 2021?

Since the start of the 2021 NFL season, there have been a total of 60 NFL players who have tested positive for COVID-19, according to the NFL’s official COVID-19 tracker. This number includes 54 active NFL players and six staff members.

The majority of these positive cases have come from just three teams: the New England Patriots, Baltimore Ravens and Tennessee Titans. A total of 20 Patriots players have tested positive for COVID-19 since the start of the season, while 17 Ravens players and 11 Titans players have also tested positive.

The San Francisco 49ers have had the fourth-most positive cases, with seven players testing positive since the start of the season. The Los Angeles Rams, Miami Dolphins, Houston Texans and Minnesota Vikings have each had five players test positive.

At least one player from all 32 NFL teams has tested positive for COVID-19 so far this season.

What are the NFL’s protocols for players who test positive for COVID-19?

Players who test positive for COVID-19 must isolate for at least 10 days and are not eligible to return to play until they have been cleared by team and league doctors. During that time, they will continue to be paid their full salary. Players who test positive but do not have symptoms can return to play after they have gone five days without a positive test.

How has the NFL’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic been criticized?

The NFL’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic has been criticized by some for being too lenient with players and staff, as well as for not doing enough to protect players from the virus. Some have also criticized the league for not testing players regularly enough or for not providing adequate protections for players who do test positive for the virus.

Conclusion

The final numbers are in, and a total of 123 NFL players tested positive for COVID-19 during the 2020 season. That’s down from the 175 who tested positive last year, but it’s still a significant increase from the 2019 season, when just two players tested positive.