Tyrann Mathieu reportedly vaccinated, likely good for Week 1
By Mark Powell
Despite Tyrann Mathieu testing positive for COVID-19, it was not an issue of if the Kansas City Chiefs safety was vaccinated in the first place.
Per FanSided’s Matt Verderame, Mathieu should be good to go for Week 1, assuming he records consecutive negative COVID-19 tests.
My understanding is Chiefs safety Tyrann Mathieu is vaccinated.
— Matt Verderame (@MattVerderame) September 1, 2021
This would be mean he's eligible to return to team once he records consecutive negative COVID tests if asymptomatic
Mathieu tested positive for the virus this afternoon. The issue of getting vaccinated in the first place has caused controversy around the NFL, especially with the league making it very tough on players who have opted to forgo the COVID-19 vaccine.
Getting vaccinated provides a competitive advantage for any team, especially when key players don’t have to worry about an extended absence. For the Chiefs, they’ll likely have their star safety back when it matters most.
Kansas City Chiefs: Will Tyrann Mathieu play Week 1?
Were he not vaccinated, Mathieu would’ve had to quarantine for at least 10 days after a positive test. Hence, the huge competitive advantage for a team like the Chiefs vs., say, the Minnesota Vikings, whose star quarterback in Kirk Cousins has opted against the vaccine.
Mathieu is also entering a contract year, so staying on the field looms rather large for him personally. With Vikings safety Harrison Smith signing a four-year, $64 million extension this offseason, essentially resetting the market for the position, Mathieu could very well be ‘next up’ for his payday.
The Chiefs, at least for now, have yet to open their wallets. But who are we to question Brett Veach?
For now, Mathieu’s health is paramount, not just to the Chiefs chances against Cleveland and beyond, but also in general. As we all know all too well, COVID-19 cannot be taken lightly, even for those who are vaccinated.