The NFL continues to insist that things will go on as planned despite the ongoing pandemic. Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

NFL still plans to open training camps July 28

By Zac Wassink | Last updated 7/17/20

Despite growing coronavirus cases throughout portions of the United States this summer, the NFL still intends for players to report for training camp sessions on July 28.

Per ESPN's Dan Graziano, NFLPA executive director DeMaurice Smith confirmed the news during the same call that included Los Angeles Rams offensive tackle Andrew Whitworth explaining how he and his family came down with the coronavirus this offseason.

De Smith: "The league has made the decision that they want to start training camp on time. The role of the union is to hold them accountable on how to make sure it's safe to open camp now."
— Dan Graziano (@DanGrazianoESPN) July 17, 2020

SNY's Ralph Vacchiano added that the timeline presented by Cleveland Browns center and NFLPA president J.C. Tretter suggests the players are unified as it pertains to canceling all preseason games due to concerns about potential exposure to individuals carrying the coronavirus.

If the NFL agreed to this schedule, Giants/Jets would report on July 28, but wouldn't hit the field until Aug. 18, and then wouldn't put the pads on until Sept. 1 -- 12/13 days before their regular season opener.

Presumably it would mean no preseason games. One, at most. https://t.co/Jw8Pbdob1l
— Ralph Vacchiano (@RVacchianoSNY) July 17, 2020

DeMaurice Smith on preseason games: "To engage in two games where players would be flying all over the country and then engaging with each other to work, and to do that PRIOR to the season, doesn't increase the likelihood of starting and finishing the season on time."
— Dan Graziano (@DanGrazianoESPN) July 17, 2020

Since the spring, Tretter and other union members have left no doubt they won't sign off of any return-to-play proposals unless they're satisfied with league safety guidelines. On Thursday, Houston Texans defensive superstar J.J. Watt tweeted his frustration over a lack of clarity about protocols for participating in the season amid the uncontrolled virus outbreak.

Negotiations between the NFL and NFLPA are ongoing as of July 17. Opening night for the regular season is still slated for Sept. 10.

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