The News Herald (Willoughby, OH)
Teams are reopening facilities amid COVID-19
Several NFL teams are reopening their training facilities Tuesday, while many are prohibited by government restrictions during the coronavirus pandemic.
A limited number of NFL teams are reopening their training facilities Tuesday, while many are prohibited by government restrictions during the coronavirus pandemic.
Commissioner Roger Goodell gave the 32 clubs the go-ahead for limited reopenings as long as state and local municipalities allow them. Coaching staffs and all players except those undergoing injury rehabilitation are barred from the facilities in the first phase of the league’s plan.
With such states as California, New York, New Jersey, Washington, Illinois, Michigan, Massachusetts and Virginia still under heavy restrictions, that immediately leaves 12 franchises unable to use their facilities. The Raiders, headed for Las Vegas for the upcoming season, still have their training complex in Alameda, California.
The Packers, Ravens, Dolphins, Vikings, Titans, Buccaneers, Browns, Panthers, Eagles and Packers have chosen not to reopen Tuesday. Cincinnati expects to reopen on Wednesday. Jacksonville has set
May 26 for its reopening, and Denver also is targeting next week.
Among the teams taking advantage of using their buildings on the first day they are allowed are the Falcons, Texans, Cardinals, Chiefs and Colts.
“We’ve spent the entire quarantine period preparing to reopen,” the Colts said in a statement, “... but it will be very gradual.”