NFL players' union investigating Jaguars head coach Urban Meyer's admission that players' vaccination statuses were 'certainly in consideration' during final roster cuts

 The NFL Players Association has launched an investigation in response to Jacksonville Jaguars head coach Urban Meyer's admission that players' vaccination statuses were factored into final roster cuts. 

NFLPA spokesman George Atallah confirmed the union's action in an email to The Associated Press on Tuesday night.

Hours earlier, Meyer told reporters: 'Everyone was considered. That was part of the production, let's start talking about this and also, ''Is he vaccinated or not?'' Can I say that that was a decision-maker? It was certainly in consideration.'

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The NFL Players Association has launched an investigation in response to Jaguars head coach Urban Meyer's admission that players' vaccination statuses were factored into final roster cuts

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DeMaurice Smith the Executive Director of the National Football League Players Association speaks during the NFLPA press conference on January 30. The NFLPA is looking into comments made by Jaguars coach Urban Meyer about players' vaccination statuses 

The NFL hasn't mandated COVID-19 vaccines, but for unvaccinated players, the strict protocols of the 2020 season remain in place, including mask and distancing requirements, as well as daily testing. 

What's more costly - particularly for players on the periphery of NFL rosters - is a mandatory five-day quarantine for unvaccinated players who come into close contact with anyone infected with COVID-19. So even if players test negative for COVID-19, they could miss crucial playing time if they're unvaccinated, due to contact tracing. 

Meyer pointed to defensive end Josh Allen missing one week because of protocols. Allen, who is not vaccinated, was activated from the COVID-19 list Monday.

'Well, Josh Allen's never had [COVID],' Meyer said. 'He's not played in two weeks. So he's never had COVID. I don't know if I'm allowed to say that, but he's never had COVID. So that's pretty punitive.'

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Jags coach Urban Meyer pointed to defensive end Josh Allen missing (pictured) one week because of protocols. Allen, who is not vaccinated, was activated from the COVID-19 list Monday. 'Well, Josh Allen's never had [COVID],' Meyer said. 'He's not played in two weeks. So he's never had COVID. I don't know if I'm allowed to say that, but he's never had COVID. So that's pretty punitive'

The Patriots released Cam Newton, the 2015 NFL MVP, in a surprise move to pave the way for rookie quarterback Mac Jones. Newton is not vaccinated and missed practice last week due to the protocols., leading to some speculation that he was cut over his refusal to get injected. 

'What's frustrating is Cam Newton is two vaccine shots away from having just about everybody at his door because buddy, have you seen the QB depth charts in the NFL,' tweeted Detroit Free Press assistant sports editor Andrew Hammond. 

ESPN's Charly Arnolt tweeted: 'I have to believe it's because Cam Newton wouldn't get the COVID vaccine right?' 

On Wednesday, Patriots coach Bill Belichick denied the accusation that Newton's vaccination status played a factor in his release. 

Philadelphia Eagles general manager Howie Roseman raised his eyebrows when asked about Meyer's comments and if the team made similar decisions.

'We cut the roster based on the 53 best guys that we thought could help our football team,' Roseman said. 'And then going forward, when we look at guys, we're going to look at them based on their ability, how they fit our system, what their background is, to make sure we're bringing in the right people into this building. That's really how all our discussions have been about.'

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Philadelphia Eagles general manager Howie Roseman raised his eyebrows when asked about Meyer's comments and if the team made similar decisions. 'We cut the roster based on the 53 best guys that we thought could help our football team,' Roseman said. 'And then going forward, when we look at guys, we're going to look at them based on their ability, how they fit our system, what their background is, to make sure we're bringing in the right people into this building. That's really how all our discussions have been about'