This is the new normal where NFL teams are making decisions to cut players and using whether they are vaccinated as a reason they had to let them go.
Jacksonville Jaguars head coach Urban Meyer admitted to reporters Tuesday that players’ COVID-19 vaccination statuses were considered when the team was making cuts down to its 53-man roster.
“Everyone was considered,” Meyer said, per ESPN’s Michael DiRocco. “That was part of the [considerations, such as] production, let’s start talking about this and also is he vaccinated or not? Can I say that that was a decision-maker? It was certainly in consideration.”
Unvaccinated players are at more risk of being out for longer if someone tests positive.
Unvaccinated players who test positive will miss at least 10 days before undergoing a three-day return-to-play protocol. Vaccinated players can return before the 10-day period if they receive two negative PCR test results separated by 24 hours.
DiRocco reported that Meyers added the team tried to educate players on the vaccine and encouraged them to receive it but they left it up to the player on whether they would get it or not.
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The 57-year-old is in his first season running an NFL team after spending 17 seasons as a college head coach, which included three national championships.
The Jaguars will open the season Sept. 12 at the Houston Texans.
