The NFL has canceled in-person minicamps through June, forcing teams and players to continue their workouts virtually. Some players have begun working out together privately in order to prepare for the regular season. Sadly, as some players have tested positive for COVID-19, the NFLPA is cautioning against these joint workouts.
Last week, several NFL players tested positive for the coronavirus, including Dallas Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott and Denver Broncos cornerback Kareem Jackson. With the number of athletes coming down with the virus increasing, NFLPA medical director Dr. Thom Mayer suggested putting a stop to players practicing together.
In his statement, Dr. Mayer wrote
Please be advised that it is our consensus medical opinion that in light of the increase in COVID-19 cases in certain states that no players should be engaged in practicing together in private workouts. Our goal is to have all players and your families as healthy as possible in the coming months. We are working on the best mitigation procedures at team facilities for both training camps and the upcoming season, and believe that it is in the best interest of all players that we advise against any voluntary joint practices before training camp commences.
The Ravens have seen several of their players hold joint practice sessions this month. Quarterback Lamar Jackson has worked out with Marquise Brown and Miles Boykin while Robert Griffin III has been training with James Proche and Devin Duvernay. No Baltimore players have knowingly gotten the virus to date, however.
Dr. Mayer’s statement is just a recommendation of course, and the players are all adults that can make their own decisions. But the recent cases are a clear sign that the virus has not yet gone away and could impact football beyond this offseason. The recent high-profile cases could lead to the NFL making changes to the protocols they had already set in place to allow teams to return to normal. Protocols Ravens coach John Harbaugh already had his doubts over.
“I’ve seen all the memos on that, and to be quite honest with you, it’s impossible what they’re asking us to do. Humanly impossible,” Harbaugh said on 105.7 The Fan’s “Inside Access.”
We are still a long way from the planned start of the regular season, but with player and personnel safety atop the list of priorities for the NFL and NFLPA, this is another blow towards the hopes of one of the top sports in the country, if not the world, being around on time.
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