We’re about a month out from when the NFL hopes to have its players arriving at facilities for training camp. But as it approaches, positive test for COVID-19 among NFL players and coaches could be threatening that timeline.
The most recent reports have several Buccaneers players and coaches testing positive for COVID-19. Reports the Buccaneers have confirmed. And this comes on the heels of four players from the Texans and Cowboys also testing positive.
Amid these positive tests, some 30 plus Raiders players decided to get together for a practice in a Las Vegas park and even signed autographs for a few dozen fans who had gathered.
Practicing together without any kind of face coverings and the inability to do any social distancing and then meeting and making contact with fans raises some red flags. Today NFLPA Medical Director Dr Thom Thayer addressed this, recommending these kinds of practices cease.
A message to players from NFLPA Medical Director, Dr. Thom Mayer: pic.twitter.com/4IGlEBhRr9
— NFLPA (@NFLPA) June 20, 2020
The safety of the players in the NFLPA’s number one concern, as it should be. Every positive test comes with risk of death, both for the players as well as anyone with whom they come in contact.
In basic public settings, these players are able to properly protect themselves with masks and social distancing that is simply not possible in these practices.
This statement by the NFLPA comes just two days after they put out a statement following Dr Anthony Fauci saying the season may not happen.
A statement from NFLPA Medical Director Dr. Thom Mayer: pic.twitter.com/GCPx5JQe6i
— NFLPA (@NFLPA) June 18, 2020
Again, we have a month in which there is no telling whether the NFL will be ready to proceed, even with a strict protocol. And that timeline is only possible if all goes well between now and then. That could mean the number of new cases must stop rapidly rising across the country including among NFL coaches and players.