The sports world is slowly coming back to life as the world begins the re-opening process amidst the coronavirus pandemic. With the pause button hit since mid-March, all major sports leagues either already have plans in place to return, or are in the midst of discussions to do so.
The NFL has been determined to keep their offseason schedule as normal as possible during these challenging times, and has been in discussions with the NFLPA on how the league will re-open their facilities to players.
As of today, league offices have been opened and coaches are now permitted back in the facility, if they choose. The only players who are permitted in the facility are those who are undergoing treatment or rehabilitation.
The NFL sent out a memo to all teams Monday preparing them for an eventual return of the players into those facilities. In the memo, released by Tom Pelissero of NFL Network, it talks about having cleaning agents, enough equipment and social distancing measures.
The NFL issued protocols to clubs this morning laying out plans for players’ return to club facilities, including physical distancing, facility cleaning and disinfecting, equipment cleaning etc. pic.twitter.com/mNzpnqfb0h
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) June 8, 2020
In NFL memo, locker rooms have to be reconfigured for 6 feet of space between lockers, where possible. Hard enough in even the newest, plushest home locker rooms. Visiting locker rooms, especially in the oldest stadiums, are tiny. Game day protocols will be interesting.
— Judy Battista (@judybattista) June 8, 2020
These new social distancing rules will not work for the NFL. No team has room for 90 players in their locker room as it is. Now they are all going to have to be in every other locker? That means they need space for 180 players. #Steelers #dkps
— Dale Lolley (@dlolley_pgh) June 8, 2020
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
