Several players across the NFL have decided to opt out of the 2020 season, citing concerns for the COVID-19 pandemic. Some players have pre-existing health conditions that put them more at risk – like the Rams’ Chandler Brewer, who has opted out – while others don’t want to put their families in danger.
Brewer is the only Rams player who has opted out of the season thus far, and McVay doesn’t expect any others to take that route. As of now, players have until Aug. 6 to make a decision about opting out, but the NFL is pushing to move up the deadline to either Tuesday or Wednesday of this week, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
Sean McVay doesn’t expect any more Rams to opt out before the deadline but says dialogue remains open and supportive. Says there is a “relief” feeling to know they can protect players at high risk if necessary – like in the case of Chandler Brewer.
— Jourdan Rodrigue (@JourdanRodrigue) August 2, 2020
Additionally, McVay doesn’t expect any players to be placed on the PUP (physically unable to perform) list to start training camp, which is a good sign for those recovering from injuries.
LA @RamsNFL HC McVay said he does not expect to place any players on PUP as of now
— Steve Wyche (@wyche89) August 2, 2020
The Rams currently have one player on the reserve/COVID-19 list (Terrell Lewis) after Michael Hoecht was activated on Sunday, and have only lost Brewer to an opt-out decision. With the uncertainty surrounding the 2020 season, it’s easy to understand why a player might choose to sit out the season.
For those who do voluntarily opt out, they will receive a $150,000 advance for the 2020 season, though anyone opting out who is at high risk will receive $350,000. Players voluntarily opting out will have their 2021 base salary reduced by $150,000.