Now that we’ve hit the dead month in the NFL offseason, the countdown is on for training camp when NFL teams will finally reunite on the football field after an entirely virtual offseason. But certain players might be able to get an earlier start than returning veterans.
According to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, the NFL and NFLPA are discussing possibly allowing certain players, including rookies and veterans who switched teams that need physicals, returning to team facilities on a limited basis before June 26.
No dates set yet and no minicamps expected, but the NFL and NFLPA are discussing the possibility of certain players — such as rookies, and veterans who changed teams and need physicals — returning to club facilities on a limited basis before June 26, per sources.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) June 8, 2020
Last week, the NFL allowed coaches to return to team facilities, and there are some that have already done so. But there’s no word on whether Matt Nagy and his coaching staff have returned to Halas Hall.
Obviously, you expect Nagy and his coaching staff to return before certain players would be permitted to, assuming this is something that the NFL and NFLPA come to an agreement on.
As Pelissero noted, it doesn’t appear that there will be minicamps, and the first time all players report to team facilities will likely be training camp in late July.
The NFL’s memo also discussed social distancing measures in the locker rooms, virtual meetings whenever possible, disinfecting equipment and the use of masks.
Among the highlights here:
– Locker rooms reconfigured to permit people being 6 feet apart
– Meetings must be conducted virtually when possible
– Helmets, shoulder pads, etc. disinfected after each game
– Masks required except when interfering with "athletic activities" https://t.co/AvNO7Si2Gt
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) June 8, 2020
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