NFL owners held a virtual meeting today announcing a possible reopening of team facilities and ticket offices. The owners also talked about some changes to injury reserve, eliminating game clock manipulation, and more.
Some teams have already opened their practice facilities safely, however, some teams haven’t yet. On May 19th, the NFL allowed teams to do so. States that have an NFL team have already begun relaxing limitations, allowing clubs to open up safely.
On June 1st, teams can reopen ticket offices, retail shops, and other customer-facing facilities. The NFL expects that next week teams will be allowed to bring in members of their coaching staff to continue their offseason work at 50% capacity.
The NFLPA is also slowly working on allowing some players to return to their facilities in a limited number. The NFL and its clubs have been working with Dr. Sills during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Meanwhile, changes have been made to the injury reserve list. In previous years, teams could only designate two players to return from IR. However, owners agreed to expand it to three.
Another revision agreed on is clock management manipulation. Teams can no longer commit dead-ball fouls to stop the clock. New England Patriots coach Bill Belichick successfully exploited this loophole during the playoffs.
Owners also shot down an alternative to the onside kick. This is the second straight year the proposed idea has been tabled. If the rule had passed, it would give teams two opportunities per game to replace a kickoff with a 4th and 15 situation from their own 25-yard line.
And last, the NFL extended their deal with EA Sports to a new 5-year deal. Although the NFL signed on with 2k early this year, their Madden series will be their foremost priority.
