NFL Notes: 2020 Season, Future Salary Cap, Masks/Face Shields

July 23, 2020

Josina Anderson reports that a “few prominent players” have expressed concern about the limited time they’ll have to acclimate to football activities after missing their usual offseason conditioning program.
According to Anderson, some players are concerned about the potential increase of soft tissue injuries after missing a full conditioning program and they’d prefer the regular season to start in October.
Regarding the NFL and NFLPA having a “general agreement” for opt-out clauses and stipend for games lost, Tom Pelissero reports that the details are still being finalized on who qualifies as a high-risk individual and how much they’d get paid.
Pelissero adds that the NFL and NFLPA have agreed on opt-out and stipend concepts and reiterated each option will “exist” for the 2020 season.

Per Mark Maske of the Washington Post, an NFL source says any talk of the season being in danger because of the economic negotiations between the league and NFLPA was “way too speculative.” An NFLPA source called it “clickbait.”
Maske adds it’s unclear if the NFL is seeking a resolution on how to handle revenue losses in 2020 by the start of camp on July 28 or the start of the regular season on September 10.
NFL Media’s Tom Pelissero says the owners would like to work out the economics before Sunday when the Chiefs and Texans’ rookies are set to begin conditioning workouts. In lieu of an agreement, the NFL could continue virtual workouts indefinitely.
The owners would like to absorb any revenue losses in 2020 and 2021 rather than spread them out over the life of the current CBA, which the NFLPA and general managers are against because it could lead to widespread veteran cuts to get under the cap. (Pelissero)
An NFL source says while there was a “great working relationship” with the NFLPA on health and safety issues, they want the union to “be more aware of the revenue shortfalls and the world we live in,” in the next round of negotiations. (Maske)

NFL spokesperson Brian McCarthy announced on Twitter fans in attendance at NFL games will be required to wear masks.
The NFL will recommend all players wear a face shield jointly developed by the NFL and Oakley, but it will not be mandated. (Mike Garafolo)