It’s no secret that the coronavirus has taken its toll on our world. Specifically, the world of football. With the lack of staff present and the amount of players that have opted out of the 2020 season, the game hasn’t been the same since its return.

The most apparent flaw in the return of the NFL is the lack of enforcement on the COVID-19 protocol. Players and coaches alike have not all been following the guidelines that have been put in place by the league for their own safety. Teams such as the Tennessee Titans and the New England Patriots have both dealt with players ending up on the COVID-19 reserve list. 

What is the NFL doing about this growing problem, you may ask? Nothing. If anything, more unnecessary risks are being put into play that are completely jeopardizing the remainder of the season. It is said by top health officials that a person must quarantine for at least 14 days after the first sign of symptoms. If that’s the case, then why are players being allowed back at practice three to six days after a positive test?

It also can’t go unnoticed that the NFL has been dealing far too many injuries this season than with any in the past. Part of this is due to the understaffing of trainers and coaches available to players to help them get in game-ready shape. When the players are not fully prepared for play at a high level, injuries are more prone to happen. It’s been proven by All Pro running back for the New York Giants, Saquon Barkely, who suffered an ACL tear in week two of the season. Or by All Pro defensive end of the San Francisco 49er’s, Nick Bosa, who also suffered an ACL tear in week two. 

At what cost is the NFL willing to go for the season to continue the way it is? How many more players, coaches, and fans have to get sick for them to realize that what they’re doing is not working? Other leagues like the NBA and NHL had successful conclusions to their seasons with little to no hiccups along the way. So why is it so hard for the NFL to adapt to this strange situation? Only time will tell.