PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Remember when the coronavirus pandemic first put sports like basketball, baseball and hockey on hold?
Unlike those leagues, football was able to operate with free agency, an extremely successful draft, and virtual off-season programs. At that point, the NFL had time on its side.
Not anymore.
Countless NFL players posted on social media Sunday expressing their concerns over coronavirus health and safety — especially considering training camps start this week.
Kansas City and Houston rookies report to camp Monday. The rest of the rookies start Tuesday.
Quarterbacks and injury players are expected to arrive by Thursday, and remaining players by July 28.
With camps quickly approaching, many players are wary about how safe they will actually be.
Texans star defensive lineman J.J. Watt, who previously shared his concerns on Twitter, tweeted on Sunday: "We still do not know if there will be daily testing, every other day testing, etc."
He added, "We still do not know how a positive Covid test will be handled in regards to others in close contact (in the huddle, directly engaged with, etc.)."
Eagles players joined in the #WeWantToPlay trend on Sunday, including Carson Wentz, Miles Sanders, Zach Ertz, Brandon Graham, Lane Johnson, DeSean Jackson, Darius Slay, Rodney McLeod and Jalen Mills.
On Monday, NFL Network's Tom Pelissero reported the league's latest proposal includes only one preseason game instead of two, but the players prefer none.
In June, the NFL sent teams a detailed memo of safety protocols, which some — like Ravens head coach John Harbaugh — considered unrealistic. Now in late July, several players are still seeking more answers from the league.
Buffalo Bills wide receiver Stefan Diggs compared their situation to the NBA's, which is scheduled to resume its season later this month.
On Friday, the NFL released a statement, saying in part: "We will continue to implement the health and safety protocols developed jointly with the NFLPA, and based on the advice of leading medical experts, including review by the CDC."
The league said any decision will be focused on putting the NFL in a position to play an entire regular and postseason.
