Minnesota Vikings offensive lineman Dakota Dozier has been hospitalised with breathing difficulties arising from Covid-19, while 29 members of the organisation are in the Covid-19 protocol as close contacts.
Dozier, who is vaccinated, went on the reserve/Covid-19 list on Friday.
Head coach Mike Zimmer, who did not initially identify the 22-stone guard, told reporters: "He's stable now, but it was scary."
Prior to the start of the season, Zimmer engaged epidemiologist and infectious disease expert Dr Michael Osterholm to speak with his players in the hope of boosting vaccination rates within the team's roster.
Dozier went on the reserve/Covid-19 list on Friday and is one of five Vikings on list, which includes starting centre Garrett Bradbury and starting safety Harrison Smith.
Cases of Covid-19 are surging in Minnesota, with the state adding 7,165 new cases on Tuesday, according to Johns Hopkins University.
The 30-year-old Dozier is in his seventh NFL season and third with the Vikings. He has appeared in three games this season but started all 16 and played 100% of the snaps in 2020 for Minnesota.
The Vikings (3-5) are on the road this Sunday against the Los Angeles Chargers (5-3).
