Jaguars: 'No player was released because of vaccination status'

The Jacksonville Jaguars clarified their cutdown day strategy after head coach Urban Meyer said they considered players' COVID-19 vaccination statuses.

"Availability is one of many factors taken into account when making roster decisions," the Jaguars said Wednesday in a statement. "We have vaccinated and unvaccinated players on our roster, and no player was released because of vaccination status.

"Ultimately, decisions are based on a player's ability to help the Jaguars win. We educate our players and respect personal decisions as it pertains to the vaccine. We want to keep our players, staff, and families safe as we comply with protocols related to both health and safety and competition on game days."

Meyer said Tuesday that vaccination status was "certainly in consideration" as the Jaguars trimmed their roster to reach the 53-man limit. The NFL Players Association called Meyer's revelation "a concern" and plans to investigate it.

Though players don't have to reveal their vaccination status publicly, the Jaguars are on track to field one of the five least vaccinated rosters in the NFL, a source told ESPN's Adam Schefter.