More concerns over COVID-19 have struck the Minnesota Vikings this week, including a vaccinated player who was admitted to an emergency room Tuesday night.
"One of our players that was vaccinated, he had to go to the ER last night because of COVID. It's serious stuff," coach Mike Zimmer told reporters Wednesday. "Like 29 guys are getting tested because of close contact, including myself."
Zimmer declined to name the hospitalized player but said he is in stable condition. NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport later reported the player hospitalized was offensive lineman Dakota Dozier. Dozier was placed on the team's COVID-19 list last Friday.
As for the 29 being tested due to close contact, the NFL's COVID-19 policy does not require vaccinated individuals to be quarantined. On Monday, the Vikings placed linebacker Ryan Connelly on the reserve/COVID-19 list, while offensive lineman Tim Parris was placed on the practice squad reserve/COVID-19 list, giving the club five players designated to reserve/COVID-19. Vaccinated center Garrett Bradbury missed the Vikings' overtime loss to the Baltimore Ravens due to a breakthrough case and was placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list on Sunday, as was defensive back Harrison Smith.
Zimmer was outspoken before the season about the importance of getting vaccinated, and the club even brought in an infectious disease expert to educate players.
The Vikings play on the road this week against the Los Angeles Chargers.
