I’m sure you’ve been asking yourself this same question – how long are NFL players out with COVID? And the answer is, unfortunately, it’s hard to say. COVID has been an unprecedented situation for players, teams, and the entire league. It’s been estimated that 200 NFL players and personnel have tested positive for the virus, with some players being out for several weeks.
It’s been an emotional roller coaster for those affected. Some players have dealt with the virus better than others, but it’s clear that no matter the severity, the virus has had an effect on all of them. In my opinion, the most surprising thing has been the amount of time players have had to be out while battling this virus.
Those who have handled it the best have been the players who are taking the necessary precautions to keep themselves and others safe. We’ve seen some teams utilize technologies to test players periodically, or for contact tracing, to reduce the amount of time they are out. Players have also been adhering to the league’s protocols and setting an example in health and safety for not just themselves, but for all other athletes going forward.
But there have also been some players who didn’t take the necessary precautions to protect themselves or other players. We’ve heard reports of some who tried to avoid contact tracing protocols, or who chose to party in public. Obviously these behaviors put them and others at risk, and so these players have ended up having to sit out for even longer periods of time.
It’s hard to say definitively how long an NFL player will be out with COVID, because everyone reacts differently to it. But I do think it’s important for players to take all necessary precautions and follow the league’s protocols for health and safety, if they want to return to the field sooner than later.
For teams, it’s been challenging to have to adjust to players missing games or practices. They’ve had to come up with new strategies on the fly if key players are out for extended periods of time. It’s forced them to be creative and to look at the bigger picture. I think all of this has made them both stronger and more prepared, so that when their players do come back, they can hit the ground running with renewed focus and energy.
From an individual perspective, players have also had to learn to adapt and stay positive during these trying times. Intensive treatments and weekly COVID tests can be grueling and time consuming, and it takes time to recover from the virus. But for players, it’s all worth it when they can suit up and get back on the field.
So, how long are NFL players out with COVID? It depends – but with the right precautions and good health practices, hopefully they’ll be back on the field as soon as possible.
When I think about what NFL players have had to go through with Covid, it’s absolutely heartbreaking. Players have had to adapt and work hard to get their health back on track and this virus putting the entire season in jeopardy. It’s amazing how resilient these athletes have been in the face of a pandemic.
For the players who have been most proactive in taking proactive steps to protect themselves and those around them, they have been able to return to the field within a month or less. This includes getting tested and taking necessary precautions in ensuring they don’t contract the virus in the first place.
But there are also those who are still feeling the effects of the virus weeks and even months after their initial diagnosis. Treatment plans may vary for each individual based on the severity of their health situation, and for some, time is the only cure. This is why those players are usually out of action for much longer and why it’s very difficult to put a timeline on how long an NFL player could be out with Covid.
What’s more, there are so many factors involved when it comes to treating the virus. For example, the type of job the player is doing and the amount of time they spend on the field can also play a part in the duration of the recovery period.
For teams, too, this virus has presented a unique challenge. How do they make sure their players and resources are taken care of while also trying their best to limit player absences throughout the season. It’s been a difficult balancing act for them, but teams have found ways to rise to the challenge.
The NFL has also be quick to implement contact-tracing protocols that help to minimize the amount of time a player is out with the virus. With testing measures in place and players being more aware of their surroundings, the league can quickly identify any player that is at risk of contracting the virus and come up with measures to prevent further transmission.
The issue of contact tracing has also presented an interesting dilemma for the league as some players have deliberately tried to avoid contact-tracing methods in an effort to get back to work sooner. While this is understandable given the competition and how every player wants to be a part of the action, it’s also important to maintain the integrity of the league and ensure that player health is taken seriously, and that no one is placing themselves or others in danger.
For fans, too, this virus has been a huge setback. Watching games from the comfort of our homes has worked for some, but nothing can take away from the experience of watching games in person. It’s this camaraderie that some of us have missed so much, and it’s been weird to see stadiums with empty seats.
Hopefully, we’ll soon see our favorite players back on the field soon. It will be a moment to get excited about, but in the meantime, it’s important that the NFL takes health and safety seriously when it comes to tackling Covid, and that players continue to take the necessary precautions to ensure their own health and that of those around them.