it seemed like the sports world was back in full swing. >> takes it in. >> reporter: covid-19 and the highly contagious omicron variant is proving to be teams' toughest opponent yet. again threatening schedules and forcing leagues to pivot protocols so seasons can stay on track. >> i think we can't apply 2020 solutions to the 2021 problems we're having. >> reporter: the nfl making a controversial call over the weekend to only test vaccinated players, coaches, and staff who are showing symptoms of covid-19. it's a sharp shift from its previous protocols of requiring weekly testing. >> testing is a tool. it is a tool that can offer us certain things, but it has limitations. as i said, you have to look at each era or each phase of the pandemic as to what the value of testing is. >> reporter: league commissioner roger goodell calling it a targeted testing plan. some disagree. >> i think it is a terrible message, of less testing for those communities in which these