There is a big push from the highest level of American government to get sports back as soon as possible. So what does that mean for NFL training camps?
The NFL has already made it clear that international travel will not be happening in 2020. The COVID-19 pandemic has made that unreasonable. But with some states opening up, the league is forging ahead with other aspects expecting no changes.
NFL training camps expected to start on time
On Monday, Tony Pauline of Pro Football Network wrote that training camps are still on as scheduled.
“I’m told training camps are expected to open on time in July and the league will wait until the last minute before making any announcement should any changes be necessary.”
That being said, team facilities will remain closed for the time being — as they have been for a while now.
Pauline expounded on what he’s been told about this timeline: “Team facilities are not expected to be fully opened until July camp. As one source told me, teams do not want players working out at their facilities in May or June.”
The NFL will release the 2020 regular-season schedule on May 7. There will be contingencies for potential changes within that schedule, in case the season needs to be delayed. That potential scenario is still very much in play if necessary.
But for now, the league will continue to plan for a normal start — unless it cannot do that due to the coronavirus pandemic.