Falcons become 1st NFL team with all players vaccinated

The Atlanta Falcons are the NFL's first team to have a 100% vaccination rate among players, the club announced Monday.

There are 28 teams above the 85% threshold, including 15 above 95%.

The NFL and NFLPA have strongly encouraged players to get vaccinated. The league updated its COVID-19 protocols earlier this offseason, easing the restrictions for fully vaccinated individuals. Those players won't undergo daily testing or be forced to quarantine following exposure to the virus.

A league spokesperson also recently said the NFL will fine unvaccinated players $14,650 any time they aren't wearing a mask or are breaking COVID-19 protocols.

Multiple players have criticized the changes this year. Several players have also refused to reveal their vaccination status.

The Minnesota Vikings placed three quarterbacks - including Kirk Cousins - on the COVID-19 list on July 31 after rookie signal-caller Kellen Mond tested positive. The NFL requires a five-day quarantine for unvaccinated players deemed a high-risk close contact.