Helmets across the NFL could look slightly different this year in an attempt to hopefully contain the coronavirus outbreak that’s affected all aspects of everyday life up to this point. In collaboration with Oakley, which makes helmet visors for players who wear them, the NFL is working to implement mouth shields in 2020.
Oakley has designed a mouth shield that is supposed to be distributed to and tested by all 32 teams in the next week, but the Rams and Chargers have already gotten their hands on them. According to ESPN’s report, the two L.A. teams were the first to receive the mouth shields thanks to their proximity to Oakley’s headquarters.
Here’s part of Tim McManus’ report outlining how the mouth shield could be implemented.
Safety protocol negotiations are ongoing between the league and players. Currently, there is no mandate to wear a face shield, but the NFL’s medical experts are advocating for the use of the protective equipment.
“That’s certainly what we’re going to encourage,” said Dr. Allen Sills, the NFL’s chief medical officer. “And we hope that we’re going to land on a product design that’s something that everyone would want to wear, because they’ll see the value and want that additional protection without any detriment to performance.”
For the most part, Rams players have remained relatively quiet about the upcoming season. They haven’t voiced their concerns on social media or in interview as some other players have, but that doesn’t mean they don’t have reservations about playing this season.
J.J. Watt has made it clear that he would not be OK with wearing a mouth shield, saying if it is a league mandate, “I don’t think you’re gonna see me on the field.”