LA Rams News: Freeze on NFL operations begins to thaw Tuesday

The NFL is beginning to thaw the freeze of NFL operations, permitting the NFL teams to open facilities to players this Tuesday

The LA Rams, as all 32 NFL teams, have been impacted significantly with the regulations imposed to stop the spread of COVID-19. Perhaps the most impactful aspect of the coronavirus restrictions upon the NFL is the immediate closure of NFL team facilities to players. That has forced all NFL players to conduct workouts at their homes, but only if they had adequate equipment.  Some players, particularly those who have not yet hit their big NFL payday, were forced to run in streets, and assemble whatever exercise regiment they could on their own with their own resources.

That will soon change. According to an article released on NFL.com on May 15, 2020, the NFL plans to relax the restrictions on team facilities.  The change will allow NFL teams to begin returning to work. While that does not open the doors to players, it is the first step towards the goal of normalizing the NFL and getting players free-access in the future.

Ian Rapaport provided a copy of the memo sent to each team from his Twitter social media account:

Of course, the NFL authorizing access to the team facilities by the staff is just the first step on two separate tracks. The NFL must ease the regulations upon the team facility and staff further to allow normal NFL operations to slowly resume over time. And on a separate but parallel track, the NFL must begin to ease the regulations prohibiting coaches and players from direct contact, which would allow for training camps and organized team activities (OTAs) to take place.

For now, the NFL memo cites the following stipulations:

"“(1) Teams are not allowed to have more than 50 percent of staff in the facility, and the number cannot exceed 75 people. That total is for all club locations combined.(2) No members of the coaching staff are permitted to return to the facility in order to “ensure equity among all 32 clubs.” The strength and conditioning coach may continue work in the facility only if said person “is currently participating in player rehabilitation.” (3) No players are allowed in the facility other than those currently undergoing treatment.(4) Teams must promptly report any incidence of COVID-19 in the facility.(5) Teams must promptly report any change in government regulations.”"

So the first step is about to begin.

In order for the LA Rams to comply, the first step is to coordinate the green light with the state, city, and local authorities. Since the Rams have players involved in rehabilitating from injuries, the Rams new Head Strength and Conditioning Coach Justin Lovett will be permitted to work in the building as long as he remains involved in player rehabilitation.

This is a very important step for the LA Rams and the NFL at large. The NFL must demonstrate that operations can resume safely at a measured pace with plenty of opportunities to stop and reset if the coronavirus spreads.