With the COVID-19 pandemic and player safety in mind, the NFLPA has reached out to its players. The NFL, once hopeful for at least two preseason games, will now push on with none. Reporting from Mike Garafolo of NFL Network, Tom Pelissero, and Ian Rapoport confirm the unofficial move.
Updates from NFLPA call with players tonight:
– No preseason games in 2020
– Union still pushing for longer ramp-up period in camp
– Roster sizes expected to be 80 to start camp
– General agreement on voluntary and high-risk opt-out
– General agreement on stipend if games lost— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) July 21, 2020
Negotiations between the NFL and the players started off with the notion of cutting the preseason in half. Alternatively, the players pushed to have none of the games take place. In a last-ditch effort, the NFL tried to get the players on board with having one preseason game. This ultimately led to the two sides agreeing on forgoing the entire portion of the season.
80 Man Rosters for Training Camp?
Tom Pelissero further reported via twitter (@TomPelissero) the union is still vying for a longer work up to the season. He also reported that rosters are expected to be around 80 players to start camp, though the NFL Management Council Executive Committee has not yet signed off on it. Pelissero adds a general agreement on voluntary high-risk opt-out. Additionally, a stipend if games are lost due to a shortened season.
The NFL Management Council Executive Committee has not yet signed off on the 80-man roster, per source. There was discussion on giving teams option of keeping 90 and dividing the roster — i.e. keep 10 on standby — but union told players it wanted all teams to follow one rule. https://t.co/3kXYqVTiUH
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) July 21, 2020
This news comes on the heels that an agreement was reached between the NFL and the NFLPA that ensured they are both working together to have a season. The players want to play, and the NFL clearly wants a season to happen.
