Mark Ingram: Return to football needs to be 'safe, effective and efficient'

As the NFL prepares for the upcoming season, some players have expressed concern about the reality of trying to play a full season during a nationwide pandemic. Baltimore Ravens running back Mark Ingram expressed a sentiment most players likely share, as he said that he is excited about the season but only if the safety of players, coaches, and personnel is guaranteed.

"I'm basically just listening to the updates from the team, from the [players association], from the league and, I want to play ball, but I think it needs to be in a safe, effective and efficient way," Ingram said on NFL Total Access. "I know there's standards and protocols and guidelines and all that to make sure everybody's healthy and safe. And we're doing everything to make sure nobody's at risk. I'm hopeful that we'll be playing."

Training camp is set to start on July 28, with safety protocols set in place that are meant to keep cases from spiking among teams. Until then, Ingram and all the other NFL players will be preparing to get in shape on their own, while also trying to avoid testing positive for the coronavirus before the season begins.

"I'm doing everything I can to make sure I'm preparing myself to have the best season I can," Ingram said. "Even with everything going on, I'm just trying to stay healthy, trying to stay safe, trying to stay away from people, but most importantly not letting it hinder my work or my preparation for the season."