To Fauci, season possible for NFL

Dr. Anthony Fauci thinks it would be “impossible” to start the NFL amid the coronavirus outbreak right now.

Luckily, the season isn’t scheduled to start for months. And in an interview with NBC Sports’ Peter King, the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases sounded somewhat optimistic about the prospects of playing NFL games this fall.

“I think it’s feasible that negativetesting players could play to an empty stadium,” said Fauci, a leading member of the White House coronavirus task force. “Is it guaranteed? No way . ... Also, if the virus is so low that even in the general community the risk is low, then I could see filling a third of the stadium or half the stadium so people could be 6 feet apart.”

Fauci said an abundance of testing would be key to begin preparation and play — as would the willingness of the NFL to sideline players if they test positive. But that scenario hinges on testing availability.

Fauci summed up the possibility of having an NFL season: “The virus will make the decision for us,” he said.

Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa signed a $30.275 million, fouryear guaranteed contract with the Miami Dolphins, a person familiar with the negotiations told the Associated Press. The contract includes a $19.6 million signing bonus for the fifth overall pick in the draft.

The Baltimore Ravens signed freeagent guard D.J. Fluker, who is expected to compete for the opening on the offensive line created by the retirement of Marshal Yanda.