And as the year winds down and the playoffs approach, just as the Omicron variant causes cases to spike, Beasley serves as a reminder of the risk — in football terms — of counting on players who, due to being unvaccinated, risk running into harsher protocols from the league.

Missing some September or October game is one thing. Missing this showdown, let alone an elimination game in January, is something else. A Beasley-esque situation could alter the entire NFL season.

Had Beasley been vaccinated, he still might have been able to play against New England. First off, he may never have even been tested. Fully vaccinated players are subject to being tested only if they display “symptoms.” Beasley has said his symptoms are “mild” and perhaps not noticed or easily hidden.