COVID-19 testing delayed for Jets rookies while team awaits clarity from NFL

The New York Jets want more clarity from the NFL before they test their rookies for COVID-19 and allow them to report to training camp.

The Jets offseason workouts for rookies were delayed while the team awaits more clarity from the league on COVID-19 testing protocols.

All 18 of the Jets rookies are currently located at a hotel in New Jersey, according to SNY, and were supposed to be tested before reporting to training camp Tuesday. The Jets, however, didn’t feel comfortable enough with the lack of information from the NFL to begin the testing process, according to multiple reports, and plan to wait before opening camp.

According to the new NFL protocol, rookies will be allowed to enter the facility after two negative tests over a five-day period. In between then, rookies will attend virtual meetings. Neither the testing nor the meetings have happened for the Jets, yet, according to ESPN’s Rich Cimini.

Every player will be tested daily for the first two weeks of camp. If the positive rate drops below five percent after that point, tests will be conducted every other day.

The rest of camp will look something like this:

The Jets aren’t the only team to hold off on their rookie camp. The Giants, as well as the Packers, have suspended rookie training camp as they await more information before opening their players up to potential exposure. Veterans aren’t scheduled to report until July 28.

While there is still a lot of uncertainty with training camp, at least the Jets have seven of their eight draft picks signed. Only third-round pick Ashtyn Davis remains unsigned. A lot is riding on Joe Douglas’ first draft class – particularly with first-round pick Mekhi Becton and second-round pick Denzel Mims. If training camp – and the season – start on time, the young players will play a key role in the success or failure of the 2020 Jets.