#NFL finally budges on preseason sticking point with clock ticking

After ensuring the NFL Players Association that there would be daily COVID-19 testing through the first two weeks of training camp, the league also offered to eliminate all preseason games this summer, according to ESPN.

The league was initially hoping to play at least two games instead of the usual four, while the players didn’t want to see any preseason games at all.

With a game-less preseason, per ESPN, the league’s proposal also includes a longer training camp acclimation period. The NFLPA has not yet informed the league whether it will accept the proposal, but it now is more aligned with what the players were looking for.

The NFL announced their new testing protocols for the coronavirus Monday, adding that the NFLPA agreed to daily testing that will begin at the start of training camp and last for two weeks. Players are required to test negative for COVID-19 twice before entering team facilities for the first time. They’ll be tested on the first day and again 72 hours later.

The agreement came as rookies for the Houston Texans and Kansas City Chiefs were set to report to camp. Rookies for other teams will begin arriving Tuesday.