Bucs will be 92-percent vaccinated by Aug. 13, Bruce Arians says
TAMPA — Ronald Jones missed two of the final three regular-season games and was robbed of a 1,000-yard rushing season in 2020 because he was struck by the COVID-19 virus in December.
Although he says he suffered only mild symptoms, mostly fatigue, for about 24 hours, it came with a personal cost to the Bucs running back.
“Fatigue-wise, catching your breath (was difficult), especially in this humidity,” said Jones, who finished with 978 yards and seven touchdowns.
Jones returned for the final regular-season game but missed missed the first wild-card playoff win at Washington with a quad injury,
Jones still isn’t vaccinated but says he likely will be soon.
“Yeah, I’m still considering,” Jones said of getting the vaccination. “Yeah, I think I’m going to go ahead and get vaccinated just to keep the team safe.”
Jones is just the latest example of why Bucs coach Bruce Arians said his team will be 92-percent vaccinated by Aug. 13 and between 98-100 percent by the start of the regular season.
“It’s all personal decisions and education,” Arians said. “August 13th, we’ll be 92 percent, close to 100 (percent) really. We had a couple guys who have had and can’t get the vaccination. As soon as they get their shot, two weeks later they’re good. Pretty much we’ll be close to 100 percent, at least 98 percent, for the first game.”
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