With NASCAR back and plans for the NBA and MLB to return, it appears the NFL won’t be left out of the fun. Per league commissioner Roger Goodell, the league plans on starting their training camps on time despite the coronavirus causing concerns around the world.
For the Jacksonville Jaguars and 29 other teams, this means that Tuesday, July 28, will be the day in which camp starts. However, their rookies likely will have to report a few days prior as we’ve seen under normal circumstances.
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell on a conference call says the plan is start training camp on time and “get ready for games at our stadiums and to engage our fans both in stadiums and through our media partners.” Talks ongoing with NFLPA to decide the specifics.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) June 25, 2020
Of course, once the Jags return they will be implementing a different process than in years past. For starters, the facility will be following a league protocol that includes reconfigured locker rooms for the sake of social distancing, frequent cleaning of protective padding, the requirement of masks, and much more.
The Jags also won’t be having joint practices as they have in the past. This year they had plans to travel to Tampa Bay to have a few sessions with the Bucs, but the league cancelled it and all other joint practices. Additionally, preseason games could be removed as well.
Right now the Jags first preseason game is set to take place on Aug. 13 against the Carolina Panthers in an away game. As for their first regular season game, it will take place on Sept. 13 at TIAA Bank Field against the Indianapolis Colts.