Originally published by RaidersNewswire.com
The Las Vegas Raiders are expected to report to their new practice facility in Henderson for training camp this week, although Derek Carr, Trent Brown and a number of other players across the league recently expressed concern with the lack of health and safety protocols in place to combat the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
The NFL has had more time than any other league to come up with a safe and healthy way to play the 2020 season, although to this point, they have neglected that. With teams now reporting to training camp in the coming days though, they can no longer put it off.
According to Tom Pelissero of NFL Network, the NFL and NFLPA held a meeting on Monday and came to an agreement that players and staff members will be tested every day during training camp with a quick response rate to ensure everyone’s safety:
Players will need multiple negative tests before they’re allowed to be in the building for physicals or team activities. That’s a lesson the NFL has taken from other pro leagues: Take it slow. NFL Chief Medical Officer Dr. Allen Sills says test results expected within 24 hours.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) July 20, 2020
While there will be daily testing once training camp gets underway, it will take some time to get to that point once players report:
That means for a veteran who reports July 28, a physical would occur no sooner than Aug. 1. A five-day on-boarding process before moving into strength and conditioning. https://t.co/PAwnNQszAv
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) July 20, 2020
The NFL then confirmed the new protocols that are in place:
More on the extended screening period, including a quarantine between the first two tests. https://t.co/3Vk4wk1R50
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) July 20, 2020
There still are plenty of details that need to be worked out, but this is a nice step forward and a sign that the two sides can work together to sort out all issues.
The next step will likely be deciding once and for all how many preseason games will be played. The NFL already shortened it from four to two games, although the players are saying they don’t want to play any, so there may be more changes in the coming days. As of now, the Raiders will be opening up the preseason on Friday, Aug. 21 on the road against the San Francisco 49ers.
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