Less than six weeks out of training camp, the NFL’s plans for what will be a significantly altered set of workouts are beginning to surface.
The league hopes to test players for COVID-19 around three times per week, according to NFLPA medical director Thom Mayer (via NFL.com’s Tom Pelissero, on Twitter). Four Cowboys and Texans players, including Ezekiel Elliott, reportedly tested positive for the coronavirus. More positive tests will assuredly follow, with players having yet to convene with their teammates at facilities. Players will be isolated following positive tests, Mayer said, adding that players, coaches and other staffers will be subjected to tests, (via ProFootballNetwork.com’s Tony Pauline).
Currently, the type of testing in which swabs are inserted through the nose serves as the method of identifying persons carrying the virus. But Mayer is 90% certain a less invasive, saliva-based test will be available before players return to team facilities.
The NFLPA is also working with Oakley to develop face shields for players, per Pauline. Overall, protocols for training camps are expected to surface within the next 30 days. The league has already released a set of guidelines for teams’ returns, with COVID-induced changes including mandatory masks for players when not going through football-related activities and social-distancing guidelines that will bring major changes to teams’ meetings and weight-room gatherings.
“Serious concern” exists regarding free agents who remain unable to visit teams because of the virus, Pauline adds. Players who are not rehabbing injuries are not allowed at team facilities. This policy continuing through training camp will create a time crunch that will impact several big-name free agents. Cam Newton, Jadeveon Clowney, Everson Griffen and Larry Warford are among the top free agents available.
Concerns have also surfaced regarding players with pre-existing conditions, veteran NFL reporter Josina Anderson tweets, adding that the subject of compensation for such players (and players who test positive during the season) came up Monday. Nothing concrete appears to be in place on this important front.
Additionally, Mayer said no plan exists if a state reinforces a lockdown after the NFL returns, Nick Underhill of NewOrleans.football tweets. COVID spikes have surfaced in numerous states over the past week, opening the door to the potential for the kind of lockdowns the initial March outbreak introduced. As of now, the NFL’s stance is for every team to hold training camp at their respective facilities and for fans to be in the stands at games. However, the general expectation is for games to unfold with either no fans or in front of a significantly limited group of spectators.
Would be foolish to not plan for a shut down for the teams in California. Need to identify Cities that can use the stadiums when the Rams, Chargers and 49ers are supposed to play home games. There should be a contingency plan for most States, start with the blue ones.
I’m guessing of the five major sports, counting soccer, the NFL has the biggest chance of being devastated by an easy-to-spread virus. They’ll be convening right when the fall spike is feared to hit, rosters are larger than any other sport, and of course, there’s occasional physical contact between players.
unless the players are living with their elderly parents they have little to fear. I keep reading the actual studies of the virus and it doesn’t correspond with the corporate news at all. it’s like they aren’t actually reading the reports themselves.
Bingo…..
this is stupid. a highly contagious disease is nothing to worry about?