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On Monday, NFL teams placed 36 players (including 25 on an active roster and 11 practice squad players) on the reserve/COVID-19 list due to positive tests. The additions are the largest since the reserve list’s creation in 2020 during the height of the pandemic.
Of the players, several notable players landed on the list, and their status means their availability for Week 15 is in doubt. Depending on the vaccination status of players, some have the possibility of returning earlier than others. For instance, vaccinated players can return from the COVID-19 reserve list by obtaining two negative tests at least 24 hours apart.
5 big-name NFL players who are on the COVID-19 list for Week 15
#5 - Christian McCaffrey, RB, Carolina Panthers
The star running back for the Panthers is already dealing with an ankle injury and was previously designated as out for the rest of the season. The COVID designation is just icing on the cake of a lost season for the talented RB. With the Panthers' slim playoff hopes dwindling by the week, McCaffrey can only heal up and prepare for the 2022 NFL season.
#4 - Jaylen Ramsey, DB, Los Angeles Rams
The Rams’ star cornerback landing on the COVID list resulted in him missing Monday night's game against the Arizona Cardinals. The Rams won the game, but for Week 15 against NFC West rival Seattle Seahawks, it remains to be seen whether Ramsey can join the team.
Also check out: Complete Monday Night Football Schedule 2021
#3 - Chris Jones, DL, Kansas City Chiefs
Kansas City star defensive lineman Chris Jones tested positive for COVID ahead of Thursday night’s potentially explosive matchup with the Los Angeles Chargers. While Andy Reid did not officially rule out Jones for the TNF game, Jones will have to quickly return two positive tests by Thursday in order to play.
#2 - Keenan Allen, WR, San Diego Chargers
Another big-name player on the list ahead of the Kansas City Chiefs/Los Angeles Chargers Thursday night game, Keenan Allen, already missed Week 14’s win over the New York Giants. He has plenty of time to clear protocols by Thursday, and head coach Brandon Staley expects his star receiver to play as well. Of course there is the possibility that Allen does not clear protocols, but all signs point to him being able to suit up for the early Week 15 game.
#1 - Odell Beckham Jr., Los Angeles Rams
Fresh off Monday night's win against the Arizona Cardinals, Odell Beckham Jr. found himself on the COVID reserve list as well. With the Seahawks next on tap this week, Beckham will also need to clear protocols in order to play against the Seahawks. The Rams, hit hard by COVID, have entered enhanced protocols and shut down their facilities through at least Wednesday.
On the other hand, the NFL's response to the apparent crisis has been to mandate that all Tier 1 (players and coaches) and Tier 2 (general managers and assistant coaches) personnel must receive a booster shot by December 27, if they were previously vaccinated.
