OT: Official 2021 Tompa Bay Gronkaneers Thread

[Deus Irae]

This is getting even more stupid.

For months, the NFL Players Association has pressed the league for daily testing of vaccinated players. Now, the league and the union may agree to the exact opposite of that.

PFT has confirmed that the NFL and NFLPA are closing in on a deal that would eliminate regular testing of vaccinated, asymptomatic players.

The current system, in which vaccinated players with no symptoms are tested once per week, would be replaced with a random process that would test a handful of asymptomatic vaccinated players. The details of the new system are currently being negotiated. Regardless, mandatory, weekly testing of all vaccinated players would end.

NFL, NFLPA prepare to ditch regular testing of vaccinated players - ProFootballTalk

 

[skinnydog]

34 points to the Rams, where they couldn’t stop anything.

31 points to the Colts, where they were extremely fortunate the offense was so dominant.

29 points to the Cowboys, nearly blowing a huge lead, and allowing the would-be game winning score.

22 points to the Eagles, though much of that came later in the game with a huge lead.

17 points to the Patriots. They played well in that one, though the Patriots largely controlled the ball and time of possession.

Overall, 26.6 points allowed. I guess that’s a lot closer to average than bad. The Saints, with Winston, were in the top 10 range on offense as well, though they’ve sank since then.

Oops on my end. I was thinking Bucs offense, not Bucs defense. You’re right and Bucs defense very, very mediocre this year except against the run.

 

[Deus Irae]

“The NFL and NFLPA have been engaged with our medical advisors to address the emergence of the new Omicron variant and how to stop the spread to ensure we keep everyone safe and complete the remainder of the season responsibly,” the statement said. “The intensive protocols implemented last week and the rescheduling of three games were designed to stop the transmission of the virus and play this week’s games safely. After this weekend’s games, we have agreed to put into place a new set of protocols, which will include a more targeted testing plan, more flexibility for players to attend meetings virtually and also a high-risk player opt-out for the remainder of the season.”

Under the new policy, fully vaccinated and asymptomatic players will not be tested unless they request a test or have had a high-risk contact, or if the league’s medical staff believes targeted testing is needed. Previously, regular testing of vaccinated players was conducted once a week.

NFL, NFLPA agree to new testing protocols, give players more flexibility to attend meetings virtually - ProFootballTalk

 

[Deus Irae]

Bucs put Breshad Perriman on COVID-19 reserve - ProFootballTalk

WR Breshad Perriman, the hero of last Sunday’s OT win over the Bills, was placed on the reserve COVID-19 list and won’t play versus the Saints Sunday. Have to assume Scotty Miller, who was inactive vs. Bills, will take his place.

 

[Deus Irae]

On Thursday, the NFL reimplemented a wide variety of enhanced COVID protections. After this weekend’s games, those enhanced protections will be gone.

Here’s the language from the revised protocols, as agreed to by and between the NFL and NFL Players Association on Saturday: “In addition, the Protocol changes set forth in the December 16 memorandum will remain in effect through the completion of each club’s Week 15 game. We will re-evaluate our testing data over the weekend and determine whether these or other measures should remain in place beyond Tuesday. However, even if these measures are not officially extended, we have agreed with the NFLPA that players on a given club will have the option to participate in meetings virtually or wear a mask within the facility.”

NFL, NFLPA will ditch enhancements that were added Thursday, for teams not dealing with outbreaks - ProFootballTalk

The NFL and NFLPA have agreed to a significant change to COVID-19 testing protocols. Starting Sunday, only unvaccinated players and anyone experiencing potential symptoms of COVID-19 would undergo testing, according to a memo obtained by The Athletic.

 

[Deus Irae]

With the NFL waving the white flag (while climbing the green mountain) via the dramatic changes to testing and protocols aimed at taking a see-no-COVID, head-no-COVID, speak-no-COVID approach to the balance of the season in order to get all games played, the league and the union have created a way out for those players who aren’t comfortable with dramatically reduced testing and dramatically relaxed protections, if they qualify.

By Monday at 2:00 p.m. ET, any higher-risk player can opt out for the balance of the season.

Higher-risk players can opt out for balance of season before Monday - ProFootballTalk

 

[Deus Irae]

Bucs announce they’re elevating two players from their practice squad for Sunday’s game vs. Saints: RB/returner Kenjon Barner and CB Blidi Wreh-Wilson.

Cornerback Blidi Wreh-Wilson, elevated from Bucs' practice squad for Sunday's game, is 32, had three INTs with Falcons last year. Played at UConn, three years with Titans, five in Atlanta. More veteran corner depth, much like Desir, with Dean out and Sherman doubtful.

Aside from adding one more piece of depth, no. Barner has four NFL carries since 2018. He’s a return specialist, and that’s likely what he’s elevated to do Sunday.

 

[Haterproof]

The Bucs should still win this game against the Saints convincingly! All the more reason AB is definitely not going anywhere now!

 

[Deus Irae]

The Bucs should still win this game against the Saints convincingly! All the more reason AB is definitely not going anywhere now!

Having AB around enough to be taking selfies inside the stadium should (I would think) mean that he's not going to get cut.

 

[bigballas]

Having AB around enough to be taking selfies inside the stadium should (I would think) mean that he's not going to get cut.

what are the chances AB was there without permission??

...0% chance he is getting cut

 

[VectorPrime]

Keep the Bucs players locked up in 53 separate hotels.

 

[VectorPrime]

Wrong thread

 

[Pats1971]

NFL, NFLPA will ditch enhancements that were added Thursday, for teams not dealing with outbreaks - ProFootballTalk

Ah good mentality, we dont want these players to sit out games so we will just stop testing.

 

[amfootball]

Very difficult game to watch last night. I don't think Jones is ready yet to be the guy to lead us on a playoff run. The Buffalo game is mammoth now.

 

[amfootball]

Ah good mentality, we dont want these players to sit out games so we will just stop testing.

They really don't have a choice. The season is over if they keep sitting asymptomatic players.

 

[RicoG]

Very difficult game to watch last night. I don't think Jones is ready yet to be the guy to lead us on a playoff run. The Buffalo game is mammoth now.

The Colts were always going to be tough to beat.

Bucs played them well and barely won.

Buffalo has been inconsistent all year and even within games as the Bucs found out. It will be interesting to see which Buffalo team shows up.

 

[sb1]

Very difficult game to watch last night. I don't think Jones is ready yet to be the guy to lead us on a playoff run. The Buffalo game is mammoth now.

World of difference between a Brady offense that can beat that very same team in a shootout - and actually did- and one with a rookie QB.

Seeing a lot of Taylor MVP talk today. That’s not happening. Brady has it cinched.

 

[Tottie]

World of difference between a Brady offense that can beat that very same team in a shootout - and actually did- and one with a rookie QB.

Seeing a lot of Taylor MVP talk today. That’s not happening. Brady has it cinched.

He's not winning MVP but the storylines will continue. Brady needs to put up another 300 and 2+ TDs.

 

[amfootball]

Report: Antonio Brown "is expected" to rejoin the Buccaneers on Monday

"He screws up one time, he's gone."

profootballtalk.nbcsports.com

 

[sb1]

Report: Antonio Brown "is expected" to rejoin the Buccaneers on Monday

"He screws up one time, he's gone."

profootballtalk.nbcsports.com

Good news. All hands on deck for a shot at a repeat.

Anyone with a brain knew he wasn't getting cut. They're not that stupid.