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NFL teams warned of possible forfeits because of COVID outbreaks

The NFL has raised the possibility of teams having to forfeit games in the event multiple unvaccinated players cause a scheduling disruption because of COVID-19 infections.

In a letter distributed Thursday to club owners and executives, a copy of which was obtained by Newsday, commissioner Roger Goodell indicated that as part of the league’s COVID-19 protocols, teams will not necessarily be permitted to have games rescheduled if unvaccinated players render the clubs unable to play.

Goodell wrote that the league "will attempt to minimize the competitive and economic burden on both participating teams" if a COVID spike among vaccinated individuals causes a scheduling disruption.