Jags release a statement on player vaccination status after NFLPA declares an investigation

With the NFLPA now investigating the Jacksonville Jaguars for the recent comments of Urban Meyer, the team started their morning by releasing a statement the declares they didn’t release any players because of their vaccination status. In the statement, the team also stated that both vaccinated and unvaccinated players were named to their final roster.

Availability is one of the many factors taken into account when making roster decisions. We have vaccinated and unvaccinated players on our roster, and no player was released because of their vaccination status. Ultimately, decisions are based on a player’s ability to help the Jaguars win. We educate our players and respect personal decisions as it pertains to the vaccine. We want to keep our players, staff and families safe as we comply with protocols related to both health and safety and competition on game days.

When considering the NFL’s COVID-19 protocols and how significantly different they are for unvaccinated players in terms of availability, every team undoubtedly factored vaccinations into their decisions. However, Meyer openly said it to the public, leaving the opening for the NFLPA to investigate.

“Everyone was considered. That was part of the production, let’s start talking about this, and then also is he vaccinated or not,” Meyer said to the media on Tuesday. “Can I say that that was a decision maker? It was certainly in consideration.”

With the season starting in 11 days, the Jags don’t want any unwanted distractions. That said, their statement is unlikely to stop the investigation, so the hope now will be that the situation does not linger for the first-year head coach and his team as they try and move past a one-win 2020 season.