The NFL has a serious problem on its hands because of COVID-19.
The Cleveland Browns, Los Angeles Rams, and Washington Football Team are three teams in particular dealing with massive outbreaks, even among vaccinated individuals.
The Browns were facing a tough task as they were scheduled to play Saturday against the Las Vegas Raiders.
A primetime Saturday game with half of the Browns’ starters missing did not make much sense, so the NFL came to its senses.
Raiders at Browns now will be played Monday night at 5 pm ET, per sources.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) December 17, 2021
The Browns and Raiders will now play Monday at 5 p.m.
The Right Move
Raiders players and fans may complain about this move.
However, it is for the best for everyone involved.
The Browns are clearly still actively spreading the virus and that puts everyone at risk.
That may still be true Monday so we will all have to wait and see what happens.
Raiders veteran K.J. Wright took to Twitter to complain about the postponement.
I pay my player dues just to get lied to and the rules bent! @NFL @NFLPA
If it was the other way around I swear we would be playing tomorrow
— KJ (@KJ_WRIGHT34) December 17, 2021
He does have a point about the rules always changing.
And NFLPA President J.C. Tretter is a member of the Browns.
However, the NFL threatened forfeits for teams with high levels of unvaccinated players.
That is not the case with the Browns, as a lot of vaccinated players are testing positive.
This seems to be the new reality of life with COVID.
The Browns now have an extra two days to return negative tests from vaccinated players, as the NFL has updated protocols to expedite their return.
Protocols could even change further between now and then.
This is an unprecedented scenario to deal with and not everyone is going to be happy.
If the Raiders are mad, they can always just go out and win and not make excuses.
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