The NFL's COVID-19 vaccine stance has, effectively, claimed its first job.
Per reports, the Minnesota Vikings are parting with veteran offensive line coach and running game coordinator Rick Dennison due to Dennison's alleged refusal to take the COVID-19 coronavirus vaccination.
The NFL this week has revealed teams with COVID outbreaks among non-vaccinated players and staff members in the upcoming season would face forfeiting games.
Dennison, an NFL assistant since 1995 after a brief playing career, has been with the Vikings and coach Mike Zimmer since 2019.
Breaking: Rick Dennison is out as Vikings offensive line coach/run game coordinator after refusing the COVID-19 vaccine. MIN will promote assistant OL coach Phil Rauscher to replace Dennison, hired Auburn special teams analyst Ben Steele as an assistant. https://t.co/3oOgXHsaMr
— Courtney Cronin (@CourtneyRCronin) July 23, 2021
Per reports, and with the season just six weeks from its start and training camp set to open Wednesday, the Vikings are elevating Phil Rauscher, who was Dennison's assistant offensive line coach, to fill Dennison's role.
The Vikings also are adding Ben Steele, most recently a special teams analyst with the Auburn Tigers.