Since he recently returned to the team’s practice facility in Santa Clara, 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan said he is much more optimistic that the NFL season can happen.
Shanahan said during an appearance on the Chris Simms Unbuttoned podcast that he is impressed with the changes that have occurred at the 49ers headquarters.
“Since we came back here and I’ve seen our protocols and how they have this building, it really makes me believe that we can do it,” Shanahan said.
The rookies, quarterbacks, and injured players showed up to Santa Clara on Thursday for the first round of coronavirus testing at the team’s practice facility. After another round of testing on Sunday, those who had two negative tests will be able to report to work on Monday. The first round of testing for all other players is scheduled for July 28.
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The team’s practice installation has undergone many changes designed to slow the spread of the virus. Shanahan said many walls have been knocked down to allow for greater social distancing within the meeting rooms.
Ben Peterson, the 49ers ‘head of health and player performance, along with Dustin Perry, the team’s head strength and conditioning coach, have led the 49ers’ efforts to reorganize in preparation for the return of players, coaches and staff members during the pandemic.
“What they have put into this to allow us to practice is incredible,” Shanahan said.
The biggest unanswered questions for Shanahan are the rules that will be established for training camp training. Each NFL may have a roster of 90 players during offseason and training camp, but that number could drop to 80 players for training camp this year.
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Even then, Shanahan said he is unsure whether 80 players will be needed for teams without preseason games this summer.
“We are in limbo here as coaches,” Shanahan said. “Our building is configured to do this. But, now, I have to get the rulebook for hours of practice and things like that so we can establish a plan.
“It will be different. It will be totally different. … (But) I’m excited to try to do it. And I’m much more optimistic after coming in here and seeing what these buildings are like. “
