Sixteen more players, including three members of the Green Bay Packers, were placed on the NFL’s reserve/COVID-19 list on Thursday.
In Green Bay, Packers kicker Mason Crosby, tight end Jace Sternberger and defensive lineman Treyvon Hester were all added to the list, which is used for any player that tests positive for COVID-19 or is in need of quarantine after contact with an infected person.
So, how does a player come off the list?
The NFL and NFLPA provided some details on Thursday.
If a player tests positive, they’ll be placed into one of two categories: asymptomatic and symptomatic.
Asymptomatic players can’t return until:
– 10 days have passed since initial positive test OR
– 5 days have passed since initial positive test AND two consecutive negative tests are completed separated by 24 hours within a five-day period
– Return is approved by team’s physician after consulting with ICS and NFL’s chief medical officer
Symptomatic players can’t return until:
– 10 days have passed since first COVID-19 symptoms appeared
– At least 72 hours have passed since symptoms last occurred
– Return is approved by team’s physician after consulting with ICS and NFL’s chief medical officer
– Local regulations and requirements are satisfied
If a player tests negative and is asymptomatic but has been in close contact with an infected individual, a new set of rules apply.
Close contact players testing negative can’t return until:
– Second negative test within 24 hours of initial negative test
– Increased symptom monitoring
– Eight days of daily virus testing
– Regular testing schedule thereafter
The Packers currently have four players on the reserve/COVID-19 list: Crosby, Sternberger, Hester and outside linebacker Greg Roberts.
