Even as the positive tests for COVID-19 continue to pile up, the NFL remains “highly optimistic” about the 2020 season going ahead as planned, Mike Florio of PFT hears. However, the league is less optimistic about having fans in attendance.
[RELATED: Multiple Buccaneers Players Test Positive For COVID-19]
A few weeks ago, the NFL said it was planning as though stadiums would be filled to full capacity. As the cases continue to rise around the country, the league doubts that fans will be able to attend, in any fashion. Of course, their views on the matter can change between now and September, based on the fluidity of the virus and government protocols. Meanwhile, the players’ union’s top medical official has advised players to halt all group workouts with teammates (Twitter link).
“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,” wrote Dr. Thom Mayer. “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.”
Earlier today, we learned that at least two Buccaneers have tested positive for the coronavirus. That comes on the heels of positive tests for one 49ers player, Broncos safety Kareem Jackson, Cowboys star running back Ezekiel Elliott, and many more.
Glad they are…..I’m not.
Of all the sports, the NFL has the best chance to play.
Only one game a week. They can keep the teams separated until game time. Minimal travel. They will have to limit practices, though.
As long as star QB’s don’t get sick, they will just plug and play anyone and everyone else and slog through.
Agree 100%, fans were always a pipe dream I might add…
And yet season ticket holders are being charged, at least I am.
I’m on the other end of that spectrum. The largest rosters in organized sports, the most physical contact between players… I think the NFL has the highest chance of a “wipeout disaster.”
The fewer games do indeed work in their favor, of course.
I keep thinking of the trenches. If one guy has it, how does everybody not walk away with it?
You have to test every single player on every gameday. Its the only way.
Can’t see it happening with covid only getting worse in the US and so many teams having players getting positive tests.
Getting worse….get a clue. You don’t realize what is going on in terms of municipalities monetizing positive results irrespective of sickness. Follow the money.
Hahahahaha
I now live in New Zealand and am so happy to not be in the US anymore.
2.3 million cases in the US, 120+ thousand deaths.
USA makes up a quarter of all cases and a quarter of all deaths.
From April to May to early June cases were steadily dropping from about 30000+ cases to about 20000 cases per day. Recently these numbers have increased all the way back up to about 30000+ cases per day over the last couple weeks. Which is where you were 2 months ago.
Here in NZ we went from over 1000 cases back to zero cases and now sit at about 6 cases.
We have sports games with fans in stadiums.
Trust me I have a clue and my guess is USA continues to have issues with Covid and the NFL will struggle to resume
When you have a country the size and population of Colorado, 2500 miles from the next country, and surrounded by water, it makes it easy to fix this kind of problem.
Definitely a lot easier but none the less we have basically overcome COVID and it wasn’t easy but we are here. USA was treading positively until recently and I can’t see them fixing this anytime soon.
Still rather be here than NZ.
None of the team sports will play a full season, regardless of if/when they start. CBA’s and finances need to be adjusted (if possible) for a complete cancel of CY2020-21 seasons and set up for CY2021-22 seasons.
In other news, Goodell is “highly optimistic” that bleach can be substituted for Gatorade.
I think the fewer games actually hurts the NFL in this way: It’s not like baseball and basketball in which you can play in a potential “bubble” format where everyone stays in one location. The rosters are huge, and the season can’t be squeezed together – in a bubble format you’d be talking about players being separated from their families for months at a time.
As more players test positive for Covid, all I can imagine is Goddell sitting is in house as it burns down in flames saying, “This is fine”
*in his