NFL Notes: 2020 Season, Protocols, Face Shields

2020 Season

• According to Tom Pelissero, education, treatment, hygiene, and travel protocols mostly set between the NFL and the NFLPA.
• However, the NFL intends to play two preseason games while the NFLPA still wants zero as part of a longer ramp-up period. 
• Pelissero says most players scheduled to report for training camp in 24 days.

Protocols

Tom Pelissero reports that the NFL sent teams the following COVID-19 protocols for 2020 training camp and preseason:

The NFL last night sent to clubs COVID-19 protocols for 2020 training camp and preseason, including this detailed breakdown for handling individuals exposed to someone who tested positive: pic.twitter.com/bX7aQzMZTZ

— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) July 4, 2020

• Pelissero explains that players will wear Zebra tracking devices for contact tracing and in-game exposures.
• According to Pelissero, all Tier 1-3 personnel “will also be required to wear Kinexon Proximity Recording tracking devices at all times” during team activities, including at facility, practice, and travel.
• Pelissero adds that teams “may not require players to stay in a team hotel during Training Camp.”
• Enforcement and discipline are part of the protocols: “Should a club employee or other member of the club’s staff knowingly and materially fail to follow these protocols, they will be subject to discipline.”

Face Shields

• Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk, citing a source with knowledge of the situation, reports that the issue of face shields being mandatory for players has not been resolved.
• Florio says that the NFL wants to make face shields mandatory. The players, on the other hand, are willing to encourage use during training camp and then reevaluate the situation based on field testing and player feedback at a later point.
• According to Florio, it’s unclear whether the league is considering modified face masks with N95 materials or an extension of the clear visors that some players currently use.