NFL Teams Can Reopen Facilities Next Week, But Coaches & Players Still Barred

NFL commissioner Roger Goodell sent a memo to NFL teams on Friday, saying they can open practice facilities on Tuesday, May 19. 

However, teams must be in compliance with league protocols and able to reopen under state and local guidelines.

As for teams that are unable to open their facilities due to state and local guidelines, the memo says they can do so whenever they’re in compliance with local protocols. 

In total, no more than 50 percent of a team’s staff is allowed in the facility at one time and there can be no more than 75 total people.

“No members of the coaching staff may return to the facility. This is important to ensure equity among all 32 clubs. Clubs may otherwise decide which employees may return to the facility, which may include members of the personnel, football operations or football administration staff, equipment staff, medical staff, and nutritionists. If the strength and conditioning coach is currently participating in player rehabilitation, he may continue that work in the facility. Otherwise, the strength and conditioning coach may not return until the rest of the coaching staff is allowed to return.”

While the teams can open their faculties, coaches and players are not permitted to be in the team’s facilities at this point, even if they officially open next week. Rehab players and those undergoing treatment are, however, allowed.

No coaches will be allowed at team facilities until all 32 teams can. It is possible players will be back at facilities next month. 

NFL teams are required to report COVID-19 cases to the league and every team will have a designated an infection control officer (ICO) who will undergo formal training on May 18.

Here’s the full memo:

Commissioner Goodell sent this memo to teams today about reopening their facilities: pic.twitter.com/037uKybDNV

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) May 15, 2020