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In another concrete step toward an NFL season this fall, NFL Players’ Association executive director DeMaurice Smith says training camps are safe to open, pending clearance on a few reservations from doctors.
NFLPA executive director DeMaurice Smith says on a media call that union officials had a call last night with team doctors, who gave the opinion "with a couple reservations" that it is safe to open training camp.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) July 17, 2020
The NFL and the players’ union have been making slow but steady progress on issues holding up the start of the season, including some changes to injured reserve to accommodate players who test positive for COVID-19.
There are still some issues yet to be fully cleared up, though. Union president JC Tretter’s recently proposed ramp-up period has not received complete sign-off yet, and it’s unclear exactly how many preseason games teams will play, if any. The most recent proposal has teams playing two, one at home and another on the road.
Should Smith’s latest declaration hold, however, the way would presumably clear the way for the Packers to start training camp on schedule on July 28. The executive director also asked fans to wear face masks to any NFL events they attend this year. “Nothing will bring fans back to stadiums quicker than the simple decision to wear a mask,” Smith said.