No covid opt-outs yet for Steelers, who Vince Williams says are keeping players safe

The list of NFL players who have elected to opt out of the 2020 season has grown to more than 50 by Wednesday afternoon. Thus far, though, no members of the Pittsburgh Steelers have.

One of the team’s oldest and longest-tenured players says that is in part because the organization has made its players feel comfortable it is doing all it can to mitigate concerns related to the coronavirus pandemic.

“I think that the Steelers did a great job of providing us — I know, personally — the Steelers have provided us with a safe environment,” linebacker Vince Williams said during a video conference call with media Wednesday. “But (opting out) is a decision every man has got to make for himself.”

Per terms of an agreement between the league and its players union, players have until a 4 p.m. Thursday deadline to inform his team he does not wish to play. Those deemed at “high-risk” by independent medical professionals would be eligible to receive a $350,000 stipend. Those less at risk would receive a $150,000 stipend.

According to a compilation by CBS Sports, the Steelers are one of only five teams who have not had a single player opt out.

The New England Patriots, by contrast, have an NFL-most eight.

#NFL players who decide to opt out of the coming season must do so by Thursday afternoon, a person familiar with the agreement between the league and the players told the AP.https://t.co/ZuvKDgLClR

— Tribune-ReviewSports (@TribSports) August 4, 2020

The 30-year-old Williams, an inside linebacker entering his eighth season, said that players’ choices were being respected by teammates as “doing what’s best for their families.”

The NFL and NFLPA released extensive, detailed protocols for players and teams to follow in order to mitigate risk of covid-19 spread. Unlike the NBA and NHL, the NFL’s return to play does not involve a so-called “bubble” in which players are in isolation from the rest of society.

Major League Baseball has had more than dozen games postponed already two weeks into its season because of positive covid-19 tests. Some have blamed that on a lack of awareness by players in the protocols.

Williams quickly dismissed that as being a potential issue on his team.

“Everybody on the Steelers has been educated,” he said.

Veterans reported for training camp last week, but practice-style team workouts don’t begin until Aug. 17 at Heinz Field. There are three players currently on the Steelers’ reserve/covid-19 list.

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