A potential NFL season this fall is dependent on players staying safe and healthy amidst the coronavirus pandemic. The league could resort to special facemasks and fines to make sure that happens.
On a conference call Thursday with NFLPA player reps and medical director Thom Mayer, according to ESPN, players were told they could be fined for things like eating out at restaurants or using ride-sharing services — actions that would be deemed “reckless” with regard to the risk of getting or spreading COVID-19.
The league and union’s medical personnel are also reportedly working on protective facemasks that could be worn for various activities — including playing, practicing, working out and walking around the facility — but there is already pushback from players, ESPN reported. There are concerns about how the face shields could affect players’ vision and breathing.
Mayer previously said the league was looking into modified facemasks that could include the material used for surgical or N95 masks, with bioengineers testing prototypes with Oakley.
Training camps are currently scheduled to begin July 28, though the NFL has already canceled Weeks 1 and 4 of the preseason schedule. There appear to be more details that need to be worked out prior to players getting on the field — like the frequency of testing and what happens to contracts if players sit out the season.
“There are questions guys want to get answered before we play,” a source told ESPN.