NFL Rumors

NFL Agrees To Daily Testing For First Two Weeks Of Camp

July 20, 2020

Update:

Here’s the memo the NFL sent out regarding how testing will be conducted:

A memo that just went out outlining COVID-19 testing pic.twitter.com/RnJHRXQOKA

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) July 20, 2020

The NFLPA also issued the following statement:

Our statement on Covid-19 testing procedures: pic.twitter.com/6mYF3aK0jm

— NFLPA (@NFLPA) July 20, 2020

Pro Football Talk, citing a source with knowledge of the situation, reports that the NFL and the NFLPA officially reached an agreement to test players on a daily basis this year.

Tom Pelissero reports that the agreement is specifically for the first two weeks of training camp and after that, the NFL and NFLPA will look at the positivity rates.

According to Pelissero, if the rate drops below 5 percent for players and Tier 1/Tier 2 individuals, they’ll move to every other day.

Pelissero adds that players will need multiple negative tests before they’re allowed to be in the building for physicals or team activities. NFL Chief Medical Officer Dr. Allen Sills says test results expected within 24 hours.

This has been a major point of contention from the player’s side, as they’ve stressed the importance of ensuring the health and safety of everyone agreeing to play games this season.

Prior reports had said that the NFL preferred to conduct testing every other day as opposed to daily because it could give players a false sense of security and may not be needed. Beyond that, there are concerns about the NFL using up a large number of tests and resources that could instead be going to the public.

Regarding the use of testing resources, Pelissero reports that the NFL contracted with a national lab to make sure their testing needs didn’t take resources away from local markets.

Over the weekend, several players spoke about on social media about how they want to play this season, but also want to ensure that health and safety measures are being taken.

There are still a number of important issues to be sorted out. Although, it appears as though the two sides are working there way through them as we draw closer to the start of training camp and the regular season.

We’ll have more regarding potential changes as the news is available.