With COVID cases on the rise nationally and among professional athletes in all sports, the NFLPA is recommending that NFL players stop private group workouts until the start of training camp. In a statement released on Saturday, NFLPA medical director Dr. Thom Mayer advised that group workouts would be safest in team facilities where stricter cleaning protocols are in place.
"Please be advised that it is our consensus medical opinion that in light of the increase in COVID-19 cases in certain states that no players should be engaged in practicing together in private workouts," NFLPA medical director Dr. Thom Mayer said in a statement released Saturday. "Our goal is to have all players and your families as healthy as possible in the coming months.
"We are working on the best mitigation procedures at team facilities for both training camps and the upcoming season, and believe that it is in the best interest of all players that we advise against any voluntary joint practices before training camp commences."
Players are currently in the midst of their break between the virtual offseason program and training camp. Earlier this month, the NFL announced that teams have to stay at their facilities during training camp. Teams are also not allowed to conduct any joint practices with another club during camp or preseason as part of the league's measures to reduce the risk of increasing COVID cases.
NFL training camp is set to start in late July. The Houston Texans will open their 2020 preseason at Minnesota on August 14.
