As the Los Angeles Rams get prepared for the 2020 season, there still are a ton of details that need to be sorted out in regard to health and safety due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
The NFL has just begun allowing coaches to return to offices, but in-person meetings and workouts will not be allowed until training camp starts at the end of July.
Additionally, the NFL has disallowed joint practices during training camp this year and has also discussed shortening the preseason from four to two games, which Rams head coach Sean McVay said will present some challenges.
While there’s no indication the 2020 season won’t be able to start on time, it is a bit alarming that coronavirus cases are continuing to rise throughout the country.
In a recent conference call with reports, McVay raised a good question about how his team will be able to play a contact sport such as football while also maintaining social distancing, via Greg Beacham of the Associated Press:
Rams coach Sean McVay is anticipating a long season of following safety protocols: "It is a bit mind-numbing. We're sitting here talking about handless doors? We're going to social distance, but we're playing football? I don't get it!"
— Greg Beacham (@gregbeacham) June 18, 2020
What McVay showed by asking one simple question is that the league still has a ton of issues to sort out before players will be able to take the field.
Players are expected to be tested for coronavirus, although it’s uncertain how often that will take place and what the protocol will be if someone tests positive. Dr. Anthony Fauci recently cautioned the NFL against playing its season for the exact reason that McVay is questioning it, so it will be interesting to see what guidelines the league puts out in the coming weeks.
The Rams are scheduled to open the preseason on Aug. 14 against the New Orleans Saints, which will also be the opening of SoFi Stadium.
