When it’s time to play games in 2020, the 11 on 11 scenarios will be inevitable. Players in the league hope that 11v 11 football will otherwise be completely avoided.
According to a source familiar with the situation, the NFL Players Association wants to limit activities that increase the risk of coronavirus transmission during the 2020 season. This includes, but is not limited to, a request that there be no 11 to 11 activities during practice.
The union also wants limited group practices and activities in the days leading up to travel and games, with restrictions applicable from Thursday of a given week, to allow for accurate testing and to limit the spread of the virus.
Basically, players are ready to accept that certain risks are inherent in playing football in the event of a pandemic. The objective is to find ways to minimize the risks during training, by allowing players to prepare without placing them in a position involving proximity and exposure to respiratory droplets, sweat, saliva, blood, etc.
It remains to be seen whether the league will agree. Coaches will certainly not be thrilled with the prospect of a lack of 11v11 training sessions.
