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The COVID-19 pandemic seems to have taken another turn for the worse, with the Omicron variant raging across the globe. The NFL is not immune to the effects of the virus, with players constantly being placed on the COVID-19 list.
In the days leading up to Week 16 of the NFL, 213 players have tested positive for COVID-19 since the last count. That is nearly 10% of the league, highlighting just how widespread the effect of COVID-19 is.
Some of the game's biggest superstars have also gotten ensnared in the NFL's health and safety protocols. We take a look at the most prominent ones.
Vaccinated NFL players who have contracted COVID-19
#1 - Travis Kelce, TE, Kansas City Chiefs
Just when the Kansas City Chiefs were finding their groove, COVID-19 seems to have thrown a wrench in their works. They have had multiple players put on the COVID-19 list including star wide receiver Tyreek Hill. But perhaps no one will be more sorely missed than Travis Kelce.
If you want to see how important to the team he is, just look at his spectacular 34-yard walkoff touchdown against the Los Angeles Chargers.
Kelce's stats tell a similar story: He has 1066 total receiving yards this season with 83 receptions and seven touchdowns, including two in the last game. His absence would be a huge blow to the Chiefs. The good news is that as per reports he is vaccinated, which means should he return two negative tests within 24 hours of each other, he can return to the field immediately.
#2 - Jared Goff, QB, Detroit Lions
The Detroit Lions have had a miserable season, sporting a 2-11-1 record, and the last thing they would have wanted is to have their starting quarterback contracting COVID-19. But in a season where not much has gone right for the Lions, that is exactly what happened, as Jared Goff has been placed on the COVID-19 list.
The Detroit Lions have won two of their last three games, much of it owing to Jared Goff. He threw for three touchdowns against the Minnesota Vikings in week 13 and the Arizona Cardinals in week 15, each resulting in a win.
Not having him available for the upcoming matches is a huge blow for the Lions. It is only softened by the realization that Jared Goff is reportedly vaccinated, which means that he will not have to isolate for 10 days and should be back soon.
Reportedly unvaccinated players contracting COVID-19 will cost their teams
#1 - Dalvin Cook, RB, Minnesota Vikings
Dalvin Cook has also been sidelined with COVID-19 this week. Since he has been following protocols for unvaccinated players, he will also be required to isolate for 10 days and miss the game against the Los Angeles Rams. It's a disastrous turn of events for the Minnesota Vikings, who are 7-7 heading into this crucial matchup with a chance to make the playoffs.
Dalvin Cook has rushed for 1067 yards this season, which places him third among NFL stats leaders. He has an exemplary 4.7 yards per attempt and has scored six touchdowns for the Minnesota Vikings.
Dalvin Cook has been an asset for the Minnesota Vikings ever since he joined them in 2017. He has been voted to the Pro Bowl the last three seasons, while consistently being one of their top performers.
Unfortunately, in this case, his own reported vaccine hesitancy together with the league's protocols regarding COVID-19 will see him sit out for at least 10 days.
#2 - Josh Allen, DE, Jacksonville Jaguars
Josh Allen has been one of the most important performers for the Jacksonville Jaguars over the course of the last two years, beginning with his rookie season in 2019, when he made the Pro Bowl. Allen has 60 total tackles, 5.5 sacks, nine tackles for loss, 12 quarterback hits, one interception, four passes deflected, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery this season.
Unfortunately, Allen returned a positive COVID-19 test this week and will miss the game against the New York Jets. As per multiple reports, he is unvaccinated, so he will also have to isolate for 10 days.
#3 - Joey Bosa, LB, Los Angeles Chargers
The Los Angeles Chargers, just like the Kansas City Chiefs who they played this past week, have a COVID-19 outbreak in their midst. The Chargers have already seen stars such as Austin Ekeler sidelined due to COVID, but the player they will perhaps miss most is Joey Bosa.
Joey Bosa has 9.5 sacks this season, including one in each of his last two games. He has been the lynchpin of the Chargers defense, so losing him at this time is especially difficult for the team as they fight to book a playoff spot.
Much like in the case of Dalvin Cook, because Joey Bosa is reportedly unvaccinated, he will remain unavailable for 10 days.
