Eric Christian Smith / Associated Press
The NFL is reportedly heading toward zero preseason games for the 2020 season amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
On Monday, ESPN’s Adam Schefter He reported that the league offered to skip preseason games this year as it negotiates with the Players Association about health and safety protocols and how to proceed in what promises to be an unusual season during a pandemic.
Eliminating such preseason games that have no impact on ranking means there are fewer opportunities for players to pass the virus on to each other as the season approaches.
George Atallah, who is theThe NFLPA assistant executive director of external affairs explained that the league did not “budge” on the matter, but instead worked with the players to reach an agreement:
George Atallah @ @GeorgeAtallah
Precise points about the discussions between the NFL and the NFLPA: 1. The NFL did not offer us or give up preseason games. They had the right to establish those (or not) under the CBA already. 2. The NFL did not “budge” on health and safety issues. We implement the best protocols together.
George Atallah @ @GeorgeAtallah
The negotiation is usually like this: it is not linear, the players still have to fight a lot for apparently obvious things and even when they “win” them, people joke “that was easy”. Verification of facts: it was not easy. PS: wear a mask, thanks. 😷
While preseason games are often indifferent, with major players going through limited-action moves and vanilla plays with coaches hesitating to put something remarkable on the film, they give those on the sidelines to make the roster have the opportunity to reach a final impression before the season.
An NFL owner told him Judy Battista From NFL.com “we can manage” when asked about evaluating the roster with no preseason games.
This is one of several topics the league and players discussed Monday as they work to reach final agreements.
Battista Reported players will be evaluated for COVID-19 every day during the first two weeks of training camp, which begins league-wide on July 28. From there, the positive test rate will be used to make a determination. If that rate is less than 5 percent, the tests will go to alternate days.
The league will also utilize contact tracking through proximity recording devices.
The desire for frequent testing was a major point of conflict for players, many of whom led to Twitter on Sunday to campaign for clearly defined health and safety measures.
The NFLPA issued a statement that addresses Test Agreement COVID-19:
NFLPA @ @NFLPA
Our statement on Covid-19 testing procedures: https://t.co/6mYF3aK0jm
And what is more, Ian Rapoport The NFL Network reported that the league offered its players an acclimatization period of seven to 18 days when they arrive at training camp and an opt-out option for those who prefer it.
Before sharing news about the preseason games offering, Schefter He quoted a league source as saying the two sides were “getting closer to most, if not all, issues.”
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