Aug. 16 (UPI) -- The Atlanta Falcons became the first NFL team to have every player vaccinated against COVID-19, the franchise announced Monday.
The Falcons reached a 92% vaccination rate July 23, and now the team has every player on the roster protected against the coronavirus. With each player now vaccinated against COVID-19, the club won't be subjected to daily testing and will be able to spend off-field time together.
The organization has been proactive with vaccinations in its community as well, offering vaccines at its preseason game against the Tennessee Titans on Friday. The Falcons also offered vaccinations at a team practice inside Mercedes-Benz Stadium earlier this month.
The Falcons did have five players on the league's reserve/COVID-19 list at the beginning of training camp. Those players have since been removed from the list.
COVID-19 vaccinations are required for all NFL coaches, executives, equipment managers and scouts. Players aren't required to receive the vaccine, per an agreement with the NFL Players Association, but those who don't get vaccinated face stricter protocols throughout the season.
Atlanta is set to play the Miami Dolphins on Saturday in Week 2 of the preseason. The Falcons conclude their preseason schedule with an Aug. 29 matchup against the Cleveland Browns.
