72 Players Have Tested Positive For COVID-19

According to the NFLPA’s website, 72 NFL players have tested positive for COVID-19 as of July 10. If all teams were currently maintaining a full roster of 90 players, that would represent about 2.5% of the league’s workforce. But not every club has a full roster, so the percentage is actually slightly higher.

It’s a given that a significant number of players will test positive, but it does underscore the need for the union and the league to quickly come to terms on establishing certain safety protocols that have not yet been agreed to, like the frequency of tests. And as testing is not yet mandatory, it stands to reason that the current number of positive cases is not necessarily indicative of the prevalence of the virus.

As Tony Pauline of Pro Football Network writes, the NFLPA and player agents had a conference call yesterday to discuss preparations and procedures, but another important conversation will take place tomorrow. Daniel Kaplan of The Athletic reports that team owners will have a virtual meeting on Friday, and one high-level source believes the question of whether training camp really can start on time will be raised. Indeed, per Mark Maske of the Washington Post, the union is wondering whether camps in areas that have been hit hardest by the virus should open — the NFLPA’s website includes a map showing the number of cases in cities that are home to NFL clubs — and players are also expressing more and more concern as the scheduled start of camp draws near.

In addition to the training camp issue, owners will presumably talk about player pay and protocols. The league is hoping the union will offer some sort of relief due to decreased revenues, but the owners’ proposal of holding 35% of player’s salaries in escrow was a non-starter. The two sides also remain divided on the issue of preseason games. The league wants to play two exhibition contests, but the union is holding firm on its stance that the preseason should be canceled entirely.

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