NFL, NFLPA Announce Significant Drop in COVID-19 Cases Entering Playoffs

Cale Berger |

Updated: Jan 12, 2021

NFL Hip-Drop Tackle Free Agent — CHICAGO, IL - NOVEMBER 01: A detail view of a NFL Crest logo is seen on goal post pad in action during a game between the Chicago Bears and the New Orleans Saints on November 1st, 2020 at Soldier Stadium, in Chicago, IL. (Photo by Robin Alam/Icon Sportswire)

The NFL and NFLPA have announced a significant drop in COVID-19 cases league-wide with the 2021 playoffs well underway.

There were just 22 new confirmed positive cases over the most recent testing period spanning from Jan. 3-9. Only three of those confirmed positives were from players, while the other 22 were of staff members and personnel.

In total, 17,459 tests were administered to 2,933 individuals over the span.

Tuesday’s results announcement snaps a a streak of five consecutive weeks case numbers did not desecrate league-wide. After 70 new confirmed positives were announced last period, this week’s steep decline is a clear victory for the league with the game becoming more consequential and the margins getting thinner.

While the Pittsburgh Steelers saw their season ended prematurely Sunday night, it did not mean an end to their ongoing battle with COVID-19. The team’s practice facility was reportedly closed Monday following a possible virus-related issue.