As COVID-19 cases have surged in several states across the country the NFLPA has issued a message to its players urging them to cease working out together privately.
While players are not yet permitted to use team facilities to practice, there is nothing forbidding them from working out together on their own time. Many have turned to private workouts during the course of the offseason in order to stay in shape and keep active. This warning comes after a number of NFL players have tested positive for the coronavirus over the course of the past week.
NFLPA Thom Mayer issued a warning to players on Saturday.
“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. Stay safe.”
A message to players from NFLPA Medical Director, Dr. Thom Mayer: pic.twitter.com/4IGlEBhRr9
— NFLPA (@NFLPA) June 20, 2020
In addition to previously reported cases of Texans, Cowboys and Broncos players testing positive for the coronavirus, a player from the 49ers and two players from the Buccaneers both had positive test results. The player for San Francisco had been working out with teammates in Nashville, which is likely something that prompted the warning from the NFLPA.
Kansas City Chiefs players should be among the teams to heed the NFLPA’s warning. Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce and Gehrig Dieter recently got together for a private workout. The Kansas City metro area also saw a record rise in new cases this past Friday.
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