NFL extends virtual offseason until June 26

Posted June 11, 2020 7:00 am

By BARRY WILNER

The NFL has extended virtual offseason programs for teams through June 26, but no further.

Although team facilities have opened for key personnel, coaches and players rehabilitating injuries, healthy players have been barred from those complexes due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The remote programs have taken the place of on-site work, and some teams already have announced they are shutting those down.

But on Thursday, the league said it will allow the virtual work for an additional 15 days.

'œWe will continue working with the NFLPA to conclude the remaining protocols and finalize arrangements for the safe opening of training camps next month,'ť league spokesman Brian McCarthy said.

Most training camps are scheduled to open late next month. Several options are available, from an earlier opening for in-person meetings and physical exams, to pushing back or reducing the preseason - including fewer games.

The first preseason game is scheduled for Aug. 6, with Dallas against Pittsburgh in the Hall of Fame game at Canton, Ohio.

The NFL plans to open the regular season on time with Houston at Super Bowl champion Kansas City on Sept. 10.

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More AP NFL: https://apnews.com/NFL and https://twitter.com/AP_NFL

FILE - In this Aug. 8, 2019, file photo, Raiders head coach Jon Gruden claps during a combined NFL football training camp with the Rams, in Napa, Calif. Commissioner Roger Goodell told the 32 NFL clubs on Thursday, June 4, 2020, that coaching staffs are allowed to return to team facilities starting Friday. (AP Photo/Eric Risberg, File) The Associated Press

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