NFL coaches were given clearance to return to their team facilities last week, but players have not yet received the green light. On Monday, the league released health and safety protocols that players will have to follow when they eventually do return to work.
In a memo that was issued to all 32 teams, the NFL outlined some some protocols pertaining to physical distancing and disinfecting. One of the more interesting rules is that locker rooms will need to be reconfigured so players can be at least six feet apart from each other, which could be incredibly difficult with 90-man rosters during the summer. NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero shared the details:
Among the highlights here:
– Locker rooms reconfigured to permit people being 6 feet apart
– Meetings must be conducted virtually when possible
– Helmets, shoulder pads, etc. disinfected after each game
– Masks required except when interfering with "athletic activities" https://t.co/AvNO7Si2Gt
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) June 8, 2020
While no official date has been set for players to return or minicamps to begin, Pelissero says the NFL and NFLPA are discussing the possibility of certain players reporting to work before June 26.
No dates set yet and no minicamps expected, but the NFL and NFLPA are discussing the possibility of certain players — such as rookies, and veterans who changed teams and need physicals — returning to club facilities on a limited basis before June 26, per sources.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) June 8, 2020
It seems like the NFL is essentially taking a phased approach to re-opening facilities, which is consistent with what local governments are trying to do with their communities. Rosters being at 90 players until preseason games are played obviously makes the situation more complicated.
While there has been talk of minicamp beginning at some point in June, it sounds like some coaches are still not planning to return to facilities until everyone is cleared to do so. July may be a more realistic timeline for minicamp or training camp.
