NFL rookies are scheduled to report for training on July 21, 2020. Injured players and quarterbacks will report for coaching on July 23. The rest of the squad will link up with their trainers on July 28.
League officials and NFLPA members are embroiled in talks surrounding player safety and health concerns amidst the ongoing COVID-19 crisis.
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NFL insider Tom Pelissero revealed that players are still hesitant about making a return to training facilities. The same source also spoke about how certain GMs don’t want their players to return due to the pandemic.
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Leading NFL players express their concerns on Twitter with #WeWantToPlay
A host of NFL stars posted messages with the hashtag #WeWantToPlay on their respective Twitter handles. There were various messages being propagated by some of the biggest names in the League. The likes of Russell Wilson, Patrick Mahomes, Drew Brees, and others expressed their views on the issue.
I am concerned.
My wife is pregnant.@NFL Training camp is about to start..And there’s still No Clear Plan on Player Health & Family Safety. 🤷🏾
We want to play football but we also want to protect our loved ones. #WeWantToPlay
— Russell Wilson (@DangeRussWilson) July 19, 2020
We need Football! We need sports! We need hope! The NFL’s unwillingness to follow the recommendations of their own medical experts will prevent that. If the NFL doesn’t do their part to keep players healthy there is no football in 2020. It’s that simple. Get it done @NFL
— Drew Brees (@drewbrees) July 19, 2020
Once again in the interest of keeping everyone (players & fans) as informed as possible, here is an updated list of what we as players know and don’t know as the first group gets set to report to training camp tomorrow.#WeWantToPlay pic.twitter.com/xQcjs33zgM
— JJ Watt (@JJWatt) July 19, 2020
Getting ready to report this week hoping the @NFL will come to agreement with the safe and right protocols so we can feel protected playing the sport we love #WeWantToPlay
— Patrick Mahomes II (@PatrickMahomes) July 19, 2020
JJ Watt’s tweet is particularly informative with regard to issues being faced by players. There is a lot of confusion surrounding the protocol regarding player testing and other health-related concerns. There are also reports that players will be fined if they do not report for training on time. The first match of the 2020 season is scheduled to be played on the significant date of 9/11. Kansas City Chiefs will take on the Houston Texans in a classic Thursday Night Football encounter, provided things go as planned.
Preseason games could be scrapped for good this year as per League insider
So it now appears likely the NFL will have either one preseason game or none in 2020. Focus continues to be on playing a full regular season and postseason. #Chiefs rookies and QBs and #Texans rookies are the first to report today, as talks between the NFL and NFLPA continue. https://t.co/bJc0r3aY4j
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) July 20, 2020
NFLPA members were assertive that they did not want preseason to take place this year. They wanted players to get some extra time in training and build team camaraderie. There is no official confirmation regarding the same. Both the concerned parties will meet once again on Monday night – watch this space for more!
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