The NFL-NFL Gamers Affiliation COVID-19 protocols for the 2021 season are just a little extra relaxed than they have been a season in the past, however Bruce Arians is not about to take any probabilities.
Arians advised reporters Wednesday he’s implementing his personal set of COVID-related guidelines for gamers on his workforce this season that can look so much like final 12 months. The primary distinction: Arians’ gamers — vaccinated or unvaccinated — will not be allowed to depart the workforce lodge or have household visits throughout highway journeys.
Buccaneers kicker Ryan Succop, who was inside NFL-NFLPA protocol as a totally vaccinated participant, examined constructive for COVID-19 following a dinner he had with members of the Tennessee Titans, Succop’s former workforce. NFL guidelines at the moment state that totally vaccinated gamers are permitted to work together with vaccinated household and buddies throughout highway journeys. Beneath Arians’ guidelines, Succop and each different Buccaneer is not going to be permitted to go to such occasions in the course of the season.
“For us, life will not be regular,” Arians stated. “We’re just about underneath the identical protocols as final 12 months. Simply because that is the best way it’s, particularly residing right here. With Tennessee coming in and going out to dinner, they came upon the laborious manner and so did Ryan.
“We will solely inform them a lot, however as soon as we get to 53 — even this weekend, our guys are going to make a bunch of sacrifices that you must make now. Households on the lodge, all of these issues are all out the window.”
Coaches have room to implement workforce guidelines inside cause (i.e., costume codes for highway video games, curfews, and so forth.), so Arians’ determination to maintain his gamers within the lodge appears to fall inside these bounds.
“There’s league guidelines after which there are my guidelines,” Arians stated. “They don’t seem to be going wherever. We’re doing the identical as final 12 months. I do not give a crap in the event that they’re vaccinated or not. They don’t seem to be going wherever.”
Tampa Bay takes on Dallas to kick off the 2021 NFL season on Sept. 9. The Bucs will host the Cowboys at Raymond James Stadium, the place they received Tremendous Bowl LV.
