NFL Will Not Use A ‘Bubble’ For Playoffs

The NFL will not follow the NBA’s implementation of a bubble during their playoffs.

The league and the union have sent a memo to all 32 teams regarding their decision on Tuesday. The memo read, “This decision is based upon an analysis of the frequency of positive cases in the league compared to the risk of significant spread among players and staff gathered for an extensive period of time at one hotel.”

There was speculation regarding how the league will perform playoffs as the league continued to see positive tests and outbreaks throughout the season. It was thought that perhaps they would follow the NBA when it used a bubble for their playoffs. The NBA used a bubble in Florida when they resumed their season and in the playoffs. The measure worked well preventing the spread of coronavirus.

However, NFL will not allow teams to implement a “bubble” or force players and staff to stay in their rooms.

In addition, the league has revised and updated its coronavirus protocols. Any player who tested positive, but has been cleared for team activities and games could now play. Those players will not be allowed to travel or interact with teammates until their isolation ends. For asymptomatic players who tested positive will not be allowed to return until 10 days after their recent positive test. Furthermore, they will need clearance from the NFL chief medical officer Dr. Allen Sills.

The football league has seen multiple outbreaks and positive cases as the season continue to progress. Since August, the league now has 187 players and 328 personnel who have tested positive.