Jaguars' Meyer considered vaccination status when making cuts

The Jacksonville Jaguars took everything into account prior to submitting their final roster cuts on Tuesday, including a player's vaccination status.

"Everyone was considered. That was part of the (considerations such as) production, let's start talking about this, and also is he vaccinated or not?" Meyer said, according to ESPN's Michael DiRocco. "Can I say that was a decision-maker? It was certainly in consideration."

Meyer noted that the league's protocols are much more strict for unvaccinated players. Vaccinated players will enjoy a mostly pre-pandemic level of day-to-day activity at team facilities, while unvaccinated players will operate under restrictions introduced during the pandemic.

Vaccinated players don't need to quarantine if they come into contact with someone who has COVID-19.

Jaguars defensive end Josh Allen was placed on the team's COVID-19 list on Aug. 23 and missed Jacksonville's last two preseason games. Though he hasn't shared his vaccination status, Allen has worn a mask during interviews.

"Well Josh Allen's never had (COVID). He's not played in two weeks," Meyer said. "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 NFLPA will open an investigation into Meyer's comments.

"This is a concern and we are going to look into it," NFLPA assistant executive director of external affairs George Atallah said to Mark Maske of the Washington Post.

The Jaguars waived or released 24 players while getting down to the 53-player limit.