The Atlanta Falcons became the first team in the NFL to announce 100 percent vaccination status on Tuesday. Bucs head coach Bruce Arians was then asked to give an update on his own team’s vaccination status after practice on Wednesday.

“Yeah we’re way up there,” Arians said. “By the time we get to 53, I would anticipate being at 100, plus the practice squad has got to be 100. If not, it might be one guy, so we’re in great great shape.”

Considering some of the previous comments from players on the vaccination, this is a big step for the Bucs. Arians has been very vocal about wanting his players to get the vaccine. Near the start of camp on August 1, Arians gave a statement about where he thought the team might be when games started.

“It’s all personal decisions and education. On August 13th, we’ll be 92 percent (vaccinated) – close to 100, really,” Arians said. “We have a couple guys who’ve had it and can’t get their vaccine – as soon as they get their shot, two weeks later they’ll be good. Pretty much we’ll be close to 100 percent, at least 98 percent, for the first game. August 13th, we’ll be over 90 percent.”

Given the new NFL protocols and what is at stake if teams cannot play a game, which includes the forfeiture of contests and the loss of game checks, it seemed likely that the Bucs would eventually reach this mark.