Players reportedly OK plan for no preseason games
The NFL Players Association has agreed to the league’s plan to drop all preseason games for the 2020 season, a person familiar with the decision told The Associated Press.
The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the offer had not been made public.
The union also agreed to a 80-player roster limit for training camp, instead of the usual 90.
According to reports, union leadership told players about the preseason agreement during a conference call on Tuesday.
The agreement between the union and the league came a day after league proposed scrapping the preseason because of the coronavirus pandemic.
The players’ association originally had sought no preseason games and the league had reduced the exhibition schedule to two games. But on Monday evening, the NFL said it would eliminate those preseason contests and also would offer players 18 days for acclimation, up from seven days.
Also on Monday, the league said players will be tested daily for the coronavirus for at least the first two weeks of training camp, per the league’s new testing protocols.
Rookies have started reporting this week and all players are expected to report next week.
The league and the NFLPA already finalized protocols regarding team travel, media, and treatment response, and updated the facilities protocol to specifically address training camp based on recommendations from a joint committee of doctors, trainers and strength coaches formed by the league and players’ union.
WR RUGGS REACHES DEAL WITH RAIDERS >> Raiders rookie wide receiver Henry Ruggs III agreed to terms on a four-year contract, NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport and other media outlets reported.
Alabama speedster Ruggs, who was the 12th overall pick of the 2020 NFL draft, received a fouryear guaranteed deal worth $16.67 million based on the slotting system of the collective bargaining agreement. As with all first-round picks, the contract also includes a fifth-year team option.
The 21-year-old Ruggs finished with 98 receptions for 1,716 yards and 24 touchdowns in three seasons at Alabama.
Ruggs recorded the fastest 40yard dash time at the 2020 NFL combine when he was clocked at 4.27 seconds.
NFLPA SAYS 59 PLAYERS HAVE TESTED POSITIVE >> Fifty-nine NFL players in total have tested positive for COVID-19, the players’ union said, with rookies scheduled to report to their teams this week and training camps opening for all players Tuesday.
Top players voiced their concern and anger on Sunday over a lack of COVID-19 safety protocols. The NFLPA and the league on Monday reportedly agreed to daily coronavirus testing for all players during the first two weeks of camp.
The league is moving toward a Sept. 10 kickoff for their season, with attendance likely limited at stadiums.
DE BENNETT RETIRES AFTER 11 PRO SEASONS >> Michael Bennett, who won a Super Bowl as a defensive end with the Seattle Seahawks and made three Pro Bowls, says he is retiring. The 34-year-old Bennett played for five teams and was an integral part of the Seahawks’ 2013 NFL championship.
He said on Instagram that the 2019 season, which he split between New England and Dallas, was his last.
Bennett had 69 1/2 career sacks in 11 pro seasons. He entered the NFL in 2009 with Tampa Bay, then made his biggest impact with Seattle, which he joined for that Super Bowl season. His three Pro Bowl years came with the Seahawks, whom he joined on a one-year deal in free agency before getting a fouryear contract in 2014.
LEAGUE PLANNING TO ALLOW SOCIAL JUSTICE DECALS ON HELMETS >> The NFL is planning to allow players to have decals on the back of their helmets bearing names or initials of victims of systemic racism and police violence. The league has been in talks with individual players and their union since June about somehow honoring such victims.The initiative will be leaguewide, with each team deciding who it will honor and how to display the names or initials.