Several Asymptomatic NFL Players Test Positive for COVID-19

Vaccinated stars like Travis Kelce, Joey Bosa among those sidelined by league's 'targeted' testing protocol

Apr. 20, 2026 at 2:28am

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A cubist, geometric painting featuring overlapping planes of bright team colors, conceptually representing the disruption and challenges facing the NFL due to COVID-19 cases among vaccinated players.The NFL's COVID-19 protocols face new challenges as vaccinated players test positive, disrupting team rosters and raising concerns about player honesty.Chicago Today

Several asymptomatic, vaccinated NFL players tested positive for COVID-19 on the first day of 'targeted' testing, with 43 players placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list - the most in a single day since the pandemic began. Chiefs star tight end Travis Kelce, Chargers defensive end Joey Bosa, and Lions quarterback Jared Goff were among those who landed on the list, with Bosa set to miss this week's game.

Why it matters

The surge in positive cases among vaccinated players highlights the ongoing challenges the NFL faces in managing COVID-19 outbreaks, even as the league has relaxed some protocols. It raises questions about the effectiveness of the league's testing strategy and whether some players may try to conceal symptoms to continue playing, potentially putting others at risk.

The details

Under the NFL's revised protocols which went into effect Monday, asymptomatic, vaccinated players can return in less than 10 days. However, players who test positive must still quarantine until they're cleared to return. The league saw a rash of positive tests, with the Bears, Browns, Jets, Seahawks, and Ravens all dealing with COVID-19 issues that impacted their rosters and coaching staffs.

  • On Monday, 43 players were placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list, the most in a single day since the pandemic began.
  • The NFL's revised protocols went into effect on Monday, allowing asymptomatic, vaccinated players to return in less than 10 days.

The players

Travis Kelce

Chiefs star tight end who tested positive and landed on the reserve/COVID-19 list.

Joey Bosa

Chargers defensive end who tested positive and will miss this week's game.

Jared Goff

Lions quarterback who tested positive and was placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list.

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What they’re saying

“Of course that's the down side, and I guess we'll know more in the next week and we'll see after next Sunday what really happened in terms of the number of cases and everything. I just hope that guys are going to be honest with themselves, because at the end of the day they're putting me at risk as a player who's following the rules and the guidelines because they're going on the field with symptoms.”

— Laurent Duvernay-Tardif, Jets right guard

What’s next

The NFL and teams will continue to monitor the situation closely, with the league's revised protocols allowing for faster return to play for asymptomatic, vaccinated players. Teams will also need to ensure players are being honest about any COVID-19 symptoms to protect the health and safety of all players.

The takeaway

The surge in positive COVID-19 cases among vaccinated NFL players underscores the ongoing challenges the league faces in managing the pandemic, even as protocols have been relaxed. It raises concerns about the effectiveness of the league's testing strategy and the potential for some players to conceal symptoms, putting others at risk. The situation will require vigilance from the NFL, teams, and players to ensure the health and safety of all involved.