Players Association advises players against group workouts

The NFL Players Association advised players Saturday not to participate in group workouts ahead of the scheduled opening of teams’ training camps late next month, based on concerns related to the novel coronavirus pandemic.

“Please be advised that it is our consensus medical opinion that in light of the increase in Covid-19 cases in certain states that no players should be engaged in practicing together in private workouts,” the union’s medical director, Thom Mayer, wrote in a message to all NFL players. “Our goal is to have all players and your families as healthy as possible in the coming months.”

The NFL has joined Major League Baseball, the NHL and college sports programs in having a recent flurry of players test positive for the coronavirus. That comes as some states nationwide experience an increase in cases while lifting restrictions and reopening businesses.

“We are working on the best mitigation procedures at team facilities for both training camps and the upcoming season, and believe that it is in the best interest of all players that we advise against any voluntary joint practices before training camp commences,” Mayer wrote in Saturday’s message, which was posted to the NFLPA’s Twitter account.

The NFLPA is referring to informal workouts being conducted by players on their own, not under teams’ supervision or subject to testing protocols. Only players receiving medical treatment or rehabilitating from injuries are permitted in teams’ facilities at this point.

There have been reports of recent positive tests involving players from the Dallas Cowboys, Houston Texans, San Francisco 49ers and Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Ezekiel Elliott, the standout running back for the Cowboys, was among the players reported to have tested positive. An unidentified 49ers player who was working out in Nashville, Tenn., with teammates was reported to have tested positive.

The Buccaneers confirmed in a written statement released Saturday that individuals had tested positive at their training facility, without providing specifics. The Buccaneers said those who may have been exposed to the virus have been notified and are quarantining, and the affected areas of the facility have been closed for sanitizing. ESPN reported that at least two players were among those in the Buccaneers organization who had tested positive.

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell and Allen Sills, the league’s chief medical officer, have said the NFL expects to have to deal with positive tests for players and others as it moves forward with its plans to play the 2020 season. Sills said in a phone interview Thursday evening he is being realistic about the issues the league is facing but remains optimistic that the NFL can start its season on time in September and play it to its completion.