The NFL's COVID-19 protocols have long been understood to be flexible, as profe sional sports continue to maneuver through the pandemic as best they can. On Monday, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention they had shortened the recommended Giancarlo Stanton Jersey time of isolation for those infected with the coronavirus from 10 days to five days if asymptomatic, followed by five more days of wearing a mask around others. On Tuesday Jose Fernandez Jersey , the NFL followed suit.A day after reported the NFL and NFLPA had begun discu sions to change their COVID-19 protocols to reflect the CDC recommendations, the league has implemented such changes, . Previously, unvaccinated players who tested positive for COVID were forced to spend 10 days away from Miami Marlins Custom Jersey team facilities. Now, all players who test positive -- vaccinated or not -- will be permitted to return after a five-day quarantine if asymptomatic.This could have a direct and immediate impact on several teams ahead of Week 17. For example, quarterback , who is unvaccinated, would've been against the without an adjustment to the protocols. Now, if he proves asymptomatic, he could still be available. coach Bruce Arians, meanwhile, just tested positive for COVID on Tuesday, but Martin Prado Jersey the reduced isolation window could improve his chances of returning in time for Tampa Bay's Week 17 matchup with the . Earlier this month, the NFL made other so that vaccinated players could return as soon as the day after their registered positive test. Starlin Castro Jersey According to those new protocols, vaccinated players who tested positive could return to the field if they registered two PCR tests that are either negative or have a CT (cycle threshold) of 35 or greater.