FILE - Cornerback Malcolm Butler #21 of the Tennessee Titans celebrates with a face mask after defeating the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium on November 22, 2020 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Patrick Smith/Getty Images)LOS ANGELES - As COVID-19 cases rise around the country, the National Football League has announced new and stricter safety guidelines that all players and coaches must adhere to starting Thanksgiving week.In a memorandum sent out to management and head coaches on Monday, three additional restrictions were added to the NFL’s COVID-19 guidelines:Researchers and scientists are now learning that not only does wearing a mask reduce viral transmission, but it may also help you avoid major illness, even if you end up contracting.