Panthers have one of the NFL’s highest vaccination rates

The 2020 NFL season was played under a dark cloud of fear and uncertainty thanks to the pandemic. The Panthers were no exception, having had several players miss games due to COVID-19 protocols.

This year, the situation is a lot more optimistic, if far from perfect. Some teams are lagging behind when it comes to getting their players vaccinated though. According to the Associated Press, four teams are under 50%, which will be problematic once training camp begins given the league’s restrictions on what unvaccinated personnel are allowed to do. That list includes Ron Rivera’s WFT, the Colts, Cardinals and Chargers.

Carolina is on the other end of the spectrum. The AP says the Panthers are among the teams with the highest vaccination rates and one of 10 that have reached the critical 85% threshold.

“Pittsburgh, Miami, Carolina and Denver have the highest vaccination rates and are among 10 teams that have achieved at least 85%. About 73% of players have been vaccinated. Teams on the lower end of the vaccination table face potential competitive disadvantages.”

Quarterback Sam Darnold did say that he hasn’t been vaccinated yet back in early June. While there’s been no update since, it’s difficult to imagine that Darnold will be starting training camp without having gotten his shot given how important he is for this roster.

PSA: The CDC says the vaccines are safe and effective in preventing COVID-19, especially severe cases that may lead to hospitalization or death. Around 99% of the covid deaths in the United States are among unvaccinated individuals.