NFL COVID-19 Tracker: News and updates on the coronavirus’ impact around NFL

Here's the latest on where the NFL stands amid the ongoing battle with the COVID-19 virus:

7/28

The New England Patriots had a group of players announce they'll opt out of the 2020 season:

Patriots’ three-time Super-Bowl champion and Pro-Bowl ILB Dont’a Hightower is opting out of the 2020 season, league sources tell ESPN.

Hightower is scheduled to make $8 million in base salary. He had a baby July 16.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) July 28, 2020

And so Patriots RB Brandon Bolden also is planning to opt out of the 2020 season, which would make him the fifth New England player to miss this season.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) July 28, 2020

Dont’a Hightower now becomes the fourth Patriot to opt out of 2020, joining OT Marcus Cannon, FB Danny Vitale and OL Najee Toran. https://t.co/NzfDCxgXEh
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) July 28, 2020

7/27

The Bears announced that undrafted free agent running back Artavis Pierce has been placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list:

We have placed rookie RB Artavis Pierce on the reserve/COVID-19 list.
— Chicago Bears (@ChicagoBears) July 27, 2020

7/18

On Saturday morning, teams were given official dates for when to start reporting for training camp:

NFL clubs just received this email with reporting dates.

Training camp is on. pic.twitter.com/lya1JtxW4o
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) July 18, 2020

7/17

Team doctors have apparently given the OK for teams to proceed with training camp:

NFLPA executive director DeMaurice Smith says on a media call that union officials had a call last night with team doctors, who gave the opinion "with a couple reservations" that it is safe to open training camp.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) July 17, 2020

Because of roster depth concerns, players may not have to wait 8 games to come off IR in 2020:

One idea endorsed by the NFL competition committee to help teams cope with positive COVID-19 tests in 2020: Allow unlimited players to return from injured reserve and non-football injury lists, after just 3 games instead of 8. It’s been discussed as NFL and NFLPA talks continue.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) July 17, 2020

Without a deal between the NFL and NFLPA, the salary could drop upwards of $70 million this year:

What happens if no deal is struck on economics?

A projected multibillion revenue shortfall in 2020 would be accounted for in 2021, causing the salary cap to drop by in the range of $50 million to $70 million per club.

League wants a deal done before camp. Union in no rush.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) July 17, 2020

7/16

Both the Texans and the Chiefs are scheduled to report to training camp on Monday, July 20th:

The #Texans rookies were also informed they were to report on the 20th as of now, sources say. Makes sense. They play each other in the opener. https://t.co/omYN891MX9
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) July 17, 2020

The NFL's first round of coronavirus testing came back with a positive rate roughly around 2.5%:

The NFLPA says 72 players leaguewide were known to have tested positive for COVID-19 as of last Friday, according to information made available to players. With roughly 2,800 players currently on rosters, that represents about 2.5% of the workforce.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) July 16, 2020

NFL COVID-19 Tracker: News and updates on the coronavirus' impact around NFL

By Cam Ellis • Published July 17, 2020 • Updated on July 28, 2020 at 9:40 am

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