Sean McVay Expresses Optimism About NFL Return, Plans For CoronaVirus

In June, Rams head coach Sean McVay was on record saying, “we’re going to social distance but we play football? Hey, this is really hard for me to understand all this. I don’t want to be … I don’t get it. I really don’t.” McVay seems to have had his COVID questions answered because this weekend he was on a videoconference with reporters and has changed his tune.

“I feel a lot better now, having a little bit more knowledge and understanding of — it’s really about the risk mitigation, keeping our ecosystem clear,” McVay said, according to ESPN.

Get used to hearing risk mitigation. That’s what McVay says he’ll be preaching to players who won’t be bubbled and can go about their lives as they wish, but there’s always that a spot on the COVID reserve list that will result in the player missing time and allowing someone to steal a job.

The Saints are going as far as creating their own bubble during training camp, according to Clay’s old friend Peter King. Players and staff will stay at the Loews Hotel until the season starts. AKA…risk mitigation.

The Rams open the season September 13 at home in the new SoFi Stadium — highly likely fans won’t be allowed in — against the Dallas Cowboys.

Here’s how a player returns from the COVID reserve list, if the player has no symptoms:

– 10 days have passed since initial positive test OR

– 5 days have passed since initial positive test, AND two consecutive negative tests are completed separated by 24 hours within five days.

– Return is approved by team’s physician after consulting with ICS and NFL’s chief medical officer

Symptomatic players can’t return until:

– 10 days have passed since first COVID-19 symptoms appeared

– At least 72 hours have passed since symptoms last occurred

– Return is approved by team’s physician after consulting with ICS and NFL’s chief medical officer

– Local regulations and requirements are satisfied

The NFL last night sent to clubs COVID-19 protocols for 2020 training camp and preseason, including this detailed breakdown for handling individuals exposed to someone who tested positive: pic.twitter.com/bX7aQzMZTZ

— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) July 4, 2020