NFL issues guidelines for players returning to team facilities

NFL Network's Tom Pelissero has obtained a memo from the NFL outlining the official protocol for players returning to team facilities. The memo did not give any clear timeline but certain players, such as rookies or veterans who joined new teams, may be able to visit team facilities on a limited basis starting June 26. It also seemed to confirm that no minicamps will be taking place this season.

Accroding to the memo, each team will be required to submit a copy of their infections disease plan, along with certifying that they've met league guidelines, which include "access, physical distancing, facility and equipment cleaning and disinfectant, food service, personal protective equipment and hygiene, compliance with protocols and education on the spread and prevention of infection."

Unsurprisingly, all players and staff will be required to wear masks at all times while at team facilities, unless an athletic activity interferes. Surgical masks are to be replaced daily, at a minimum, while cloth masks are to be laundered daily, while players will be provided with enough cloth to rotate masks every three days.

Teams will be required to restrict areas that are used by players and staff. This includes locker rooms, athletic training rooms, playing fields and anywhere else where players and staff typically frequent. Locker rooms are expected to be reconfigured in a way that will allow players to maintain six feet of space between each other to reduce the risk of any possible infection spreading.

For now, the NFL has every intention of starting its season on time and a huge part of making that happen is ensuring that players are kept safe. Even a single case of COVID-19 could disrupt the entire season, so the league appears to be going the extra mile to make sure that does not happen.