NFL imposing intensive protocols

All 32 teams will meet virtually next week to discuss COVID rules

DAVIE — Next week, all 32 of the NFL’s team will be meeting virtually, and limiting their interaction inside team facilities in an effort to ensure that the second half of the season gets played.

Even though some teams, such as the Miami Dolphins, are already operating in the COVID-19 intensive protocol because of positive tests of their staff and players, the league mandated that all teams begin operating remotely on Saturday to curb the spread of the corona virus as the nation’ s positive tests spike.

“I think everyone’s trying to do what’s in the best interest of the players and give us all an opportunity to play games, which we all want,” Dolphins coach Brian Flores said. “The players love playing, coaches love coaching, I’m sure you guys love reporting on the teams…. If the league feels like this gives us the best opportunity to get all those things done, we’ll followsuit.”

So moving forward after Sunday’s games, all meetings are to be held virtually unless they can be held outdoors or indoors with a pre-approved plan. Face masks must be worn at all times at the facility, including on the practice field by all personnel.

All meals must be servedin graband-go style to prevent staff and players from congregating in meal rooms. And locker-room use is strongly discouraged on non-game days.

Staff members with access to players on a regular basis and the players themselves will continue to be tested daily, except for game day.

The intensive protocol also prohibits team personnel from gatherings away fromthe facility.

Players receiving medical treatment or who are rehabilitating must wear a mask and face shield. Medical providers must wear the same, aswell as gloves.

Weight rooms will be limited to no more than 10 players at a time regardless of the size of the room. Other personnel in the weight room are limited to five when players are present, and personal protective equipment is required.

Until now, intensive protocol was reserved for teams that had positive tests, or had been exposed to a teamwith positive tests.

Twenty-eight teams have been in the intensive protocol at some point this season, and many have voluntarily adapted some of the restrictions.

“These measures are not meant to be punitive but are intended to mitigate the risk of further transmission among the team and to offer as much protection as possible to players and staff,” the NFL said in a statement.

The Dolphins have been under the intensive protocol for the past two weeks because of a series of positive tests, which forced Miami to play without nearly half adozen assistant coaches for the past two games, and without defensive tackle Christian Wilkins lastweek.

From a player’s standpoint, the Dolphins claim the intensive COVID-19 protocol — which features virtual meetings— is very similar to what transpired in the offseason when teams were meeting via Zoom during the work week.

According to safety Brandon Jones, the biggest difference is the loss of walk-throughs before practice, which he found valuable as a rookie.

“That was super beneficial for me, just as a young player still trying to get the hang of things, being able to see it. I’m a guy that hasto kind of walk-through,” Jones said. “I learn better with walking through, and being able to see it in person versus kind of over Zoom. So that’s kind of the only thing that I battle with.”

But as of Saturday, every team will not only be put an even playing field from a preparation standpoint. There’s also hope that taking these extra precautions will keep the players and supporting staff safer, with the goal of finishing the regular season’s final seven weeks, and then beginning the postseason in January.

“My job is to play football and that’s what I’m going to do,” Dolphins safety Bobby McCain said. “If they tell us we’ve got to stop playing because of the severity of the corona [virus], then we have to stop playing. But if not, we’re going to keep the train rolling.”