The NFL sent a memo last week announcing the next step in the offseason, allowing teams to open their facilities beginning on May 19. It’s dependent on each organization’s state and city laws, however, because some states have stricter stay-at-home orders in place.
California, for instance, is one of the strictest. The state hasn’t gradually reopened the way some others have, and Governor Gavin Newsom hasn’t yet laid out a timeline for when business can move closer to getting back to normal.
Therefore, the Rams, Chargers and 49ers would not be among the teams that could open its facilities this week.
As for the other teams that can reopen, it’s not a complete return to normal. During the first part of this plan, no more than 50% of the team’s staff would be allowed in the facilities at a time, and the number of workers inside could not exceed 75 at once.
Coaches are not allowed inside the facilities, either, in order to avoid any competitive advantage had by teams in states with more lenient restrictions. Additionally, only players who are rehabbing injuries or getting medical treatment are allowed in the building.
From the NFL to owners and presidents regarding the potential reopening of facilities amid the Coronavirus pandemic pic.twitter.com/YKpyDQaGvq
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) May 15, 2020
“The first phase of reopening is an important step in demonstrating our ability to operate safely and effectively, even in the current environment,” Roger Goodell said in the memo. “After we implement this first phase, and as more states and localities enact policies that allow more club facilities to reopen, I expect that additional staff, likely including coaching staff, will be allowed to return to club facilities in a relatively short time.”
Currently, teams are working through virtual offseason programs, which consists of video calls and players working out on their own.
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