The NFL has slowly begun allowing teams to reopen their training facilities. After allowing a small number of employees to come back in March, the league began allowing coaching staffs to return Friday of last week. With training camp on the horizon, the next step is for players to return as well.
NFL commissioner Roger Goodell sent out a memo outlining the initial protocols for players to return, according to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero. Though Goodell noted the protocols were developed based on the understanding of the coronavirus at this point, he cautioned that things are expected to change as medical experts continue to gain more knowledge of the disease.
The protocols involve reconfiguring locker rooms to keep players six feet apart, as well as details about mask usage, the disinfecting of equipment, and how meetings can be held.
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
While no dates have been set and there’s no agreement in place, Pelissero also said the NFL and NFLPA have been talking about allowing some players to return to team facilities ahead of time. Though nothing is guaranteed, these protocols and discussions mark a clearer path towards teams being able to hold practices ahead of the 2020 regular season. Whether that means some type of minicamp, a full-blown training camp, or some other type of arrangement will have to be seen.
Baltimore Ravens coaches returned to the Under Armour Performance Center today for the first time since it closed in March.
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