World News – US – NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell downplays talk of bubble but « all options are on the table »

In light of the nationwide COVID-19 pandemic, the NFL will continue to consider options if cases rise as the January playoffs escalate.

Speaking on a conference call Wednesday, NFL commissioner Roger Goodell said the NFL is considering « a number of alternatives to address these challenges, » said The Athletic’s Lindsay Jones.

« All options are on the table, » Goodell said, without specifically mentioning the possibility of a postseason bubble.

When asked explicitly about the league that installs a post-season « bubble », Goodell suggested that this would not resemble the style the NBA had used in Orlando earlier that year.

A bubble, he said, is not likely « in the sense that many media outlets focus on it. « 

It is possible for the league to confiscate playoff teams in hotels in their respective cities for postseason runs. But dr. . Allen Sills, the NFL’s chief medical officer, has even raised concerns about such a plan in the past, as an outbreak could overtake an entire team.

With the rise in COVID-19 cases across the country, the NFL is also seeing a surge in positive results, as evidenced by the Baltimore outbreak which resulted in the Ravens Steelers game being postponed three times. The league’s medical staff insist that applicable protocols work when followed.

« Our protocols don’t fail, » noted Sills, adding that compliance is a place where league clubs can improve.

Goodell said the NFL is determined to end the season as planned and will follow science as it sticks to the protocols implemented.

« Let me be very clear: health decisions take precedence over competitive and business interests, » he said. « We follow the facts. We follow science and the recommendations of our medical experts are first and foremost the foundation of our planning decision. « 

Giants QB Daniel Jones (thigh) did not participate in New York on Wednesday, according to the team’s official injury report. He was the only non-participant of the giants.

The day after Bronco’s trainer Vic Fangio told reporters that the team had no immediate plan to isolate one of their quarterbacks, the coach and organization appear to have rethought their stance.

Are you ready for Wednesday afternoon football? The matchup of the 12th. Week between Baltimore Ravens and Pittsburgh Steelers received the official all-clear.

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Viking trainer Mike Zimmer said Dalvin Cook’s health was fine, although offensive coordinator Gary Kubiak said his back was beaten.

Baltimore Ravens runs back Mark Ingram and J. . K. . Dobbins can play the Steelers on Wednesday afternoon, but neither will be in Pittsburgh.

Cleveland announced early Wednesday morning that it had closed its facility after it was informed that an employee had tested positive for COVID-19.

Although Gardner Minshew is in full training this week, Jaguars Mike Glenn will start at quarterback against Vikings Sunday.

Las Vegas’s loss to Atlanta could have been much worse if his defense hadn’t forced five field goals.
All Raiders players know they need to wash away the bad taste quickly.

Tyrod Taylor will not open a complaint against the Los Angeles Chargers following the unfortunate lung incident that forced him to miss games earlier this season.

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