NFL owners, players agree to daily testing for first 2 weeks of training camp

UPDATE 5:56 p.m.: The NFL sent a memo to the 32 teams with a rundown of how the testing protocol will work. Players will be tested when they arrive at camp. They must then self-quarantine at their residence (or hotel, as applicable) for two days before reporting for a second test on day four. If both tests come back negative, on day five the player will begin daily virus testing for the first two weeks of training camp.

The NFL owners and players are making progress on health and safety protocols for getting football started during the Covid-19 pandemic. After much prodding, the owners finally agreed to daily testing during the first two weeks of training camp. Players will be tested every day, and if the rate of positives drops below five percent for players and Tier 1/Tier 2 personnel, testing will switch to every other day.

The Kansas City Chiefs and Houston Texans both have rookies and quarterbacks reporting to camp on Monday, July 20th, and the rest of the league can start reporting on July 21st. The intake involves Covid-19 testing, and players are required to have two negative tests before they are even allowed to take a team physical, according to reporter Judy Battista. The NFL’s chief medical officer says test results can be expected within 24 hours, according to reporter Tom Pelissero.

The NFL has told media they are using a national laboratory to make sure their testing doesn’t take resources away from local markets. There has been much talk about slower test results for people not taking part in professional sports. Given the questionable at best history the NFL has when it comes to dealing with safety matters, it’s hard to believe anything the league says on the matter.