The NFL reportedly informed teams that it would not extend the 18-week season to accommodate a COVID-19 outbreak among unvaccinated players. Last year, there were multiple postponements as the league navigated through the bizarre season amid a pandemic.
There will be no rescheduling of games in 2021. The league hopes players will take it upon themselves to get vaccinated and protect themselves and their families as training camps get set to kick off. Should there be an outbreak, the impacted club or clubs could be forced to forfeit, accruing a defeat, and not being paid for the lost game.
A team with an outbreak could also be responsible for financially compensating an opponent for any expenses from the lost game.
Linebacker Fred Warner spoke with reporters on Thursday and was asked about the hesitance by some to get vaccinated and the potential impact of the league's update.
"Well, the vaccination conversation has been going on for the majority of the offseason, before this news even came out," Warner shared. "The team, I feel has done a great job in informing the players about the vaccine to try to help guys feel comfortable about it."
Last year, Warner spent 10 days on the reserve/COVID-19 list before returning to the team on September 9, 2020, in time for the season opener. However, he was forced to quarantine during that time, keeping him away from practices and his teammates.
While the Tier 1 and Tier 2 levels of the 49ers staff are 100 percent vaccinated, it is unknown where the players stand regarding the vaccination rate. As of last week, 10 teams reportedly had 85 percent or more of their players vaccinated, while two teams remained under 50 percent. Teams that fail to reach that 85 percent vaccination threshold will face restrictions heading into training camp and the season.
"At the end of the day, everyone makes their own decision, and that's something that you've got to respect," Warner continued. "I am vaccinated, and I know that I'm a person that guys can come to, to ask some questions about it. What are their concerns, and stuff like that. That's all I'm truly trying to be, is just a tool for people to use, a resource. If somebody's got a question that they want to ask me, I'm more than open to answer."