COVID-19 a major challenge to league, admits Goodell

Commissioner Roger Goodell has said the new coronavirus still poses challenges to the NFL as it prepares to open training camps for all players today.

With preseason games canceled and fan attendance limited in stadiums across the United States, “the NFL in 2020 will not look like other years,” he wrote in an open letter to fans.

“Everyone in the team environment must follow rigorous health and safety protocols to keep themselves and each other safe,” added Goodell. “When there is a positive test, strict regulations will be enforced to isolate and care for that individual and to contain the virus before it spreads.”

The letter comes as a number of players on MLB’s Miami Marlins team tested positive for COVID-19 just four days after MLB started its shortened, coronavirus-delayed season, a potentially ominous development for other major professional sports leagues in North America.

The NFL said it has worked with medical experts, public health officials and state and local governments to develop its return-to-play plan, with the league and players agreeing to changes to the 2020 collective bargaining agreement on Friday.

Players and coaches must submit to regular testing, “including every day for a while,” said Goodell, and the league has previously stated that any fans attending games must wear face coverings.

“In the months since the COVID-19 pandemic turned the world upside down, we have navigated the time carefully, thoughtfully and in partnership with the NFL Players Association with a shared goal of playing a healthy and complete 2020 season,” he added.

“COVID-19 will continue to present a major challenge to nearly every area of American life. Football is no exception.”

Smith starts on physically unable to perform list >> Washington put quarterback Alex Smith on the physically unable to perform list on the eve of the start of training camp.

A physical showed Smith’s right leg has medically recovered 20 months after he broke the fibula and tibia in it during a game. But the 36-year-old veteran hasn’t been fully cleared for practices, contact or full football activity.

Smith is signed through 2022, though his playing future remains murky. He hasn’t played since the gruesome injury in November 2018 that required multiple surgeries.

VIKINGS’ INFECTION CONTROL OFFICER TESTS POSITIVE FOR COVID-19 >> Minnesota Vikings trainer Eric Sugarman, charged with leading the team’s coronavirus protocols, tested positive for COVID-19.

“This weekend my family and I tested positive for COVID-19. We immediately quarantined and began to follow the established protocols. At this time we are all doing fine and experiencing only mild symptoms,” Sugarman said in his statement.

BREES DOUBLES COVID-19 DONATION TO $10M >> New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees upped his contribution to communities in Louisiana impacted by the coronavirus pandemic from $5 million to $10 million.

Brees and his wife, Brittany, announced Monday that their commitment is in direct response to the pressing need from healthcare centers and communities hit hard by COVID-19.

SEAHAWKS, ADAMS TO DELAY CONTRACT TALKS >>

New Seattle Seahawks safety Jamal Adams will wait for a contract extension until after the 2020 season, NFL Network reported on Monday.

The Seahawks acquired the All-Pro safety from the New York Jets in exchange for three draft picks: firstand third-round picks in 2021 and a first-round pick in 2022.

FIVE PLAYERS OPT OUT OF SEASON >> NFL rosters took a hit when five players opted out of participating in the 2020 season due to the coronavirus pandemic, multiple media outlets reported.

One such move was officially announced by a team, with the Baltimore Ravens revealing that wide receiver/kick returner De’Anthony Thomas will skip the season.

The others who reportedly opted out were New England Patriots fullback Danny Vitale, Dallas Cowboys cornerback Maurice Canady, Seattle Seahawks guard Chance Warmack and Washington Football Team defensive end Caleb Brantley.

CHARGERS GM HAS NO NEWS ON BOSA DEAL >> Chargers general manager Tom Telesco said he had nothing to share when asked about star defensive end Joey Bosa’s looming contract extension as training camp opens today. Telesco did offer some information when asked if Bosa or his agents have given him an update about reporting or not to camp.

“Nobody has called me about anything,” he said.

Bosa, 25, is due for a massive pay raise entering the fifth and final year of his rookie contract.