Seahawks, NFL Training Camps Set to Open as Scheduled

While the league and NFL players association still have plenty of unresolved issues to sort out, particularly when it comes to testing protocols, a memo sent out to all 32 teams indicated training camp will open on time.

Though uncertainty remains about how the NFL will conduct testing protocols and allow players, coaches, and other staff to return to action safely during a pandemic, the league sent a memo to the Seahawks and all 31 other teams indicating training camps will open as scheduled next week.

Even as league officials and the NFL players association continue to grapple with a number of issues such as how often testing will be conducted, how many preseason games - if any - will be played, and how training camp practices will look, the NFL's stance on starting on time hasn't wavered. All along, even with a spike in COVID-19 cases in several states with teams, the league has remained steadfast on avoiding a delay.

NFL clubs just received this email with reporting dates.

Training camp is on. pic.twitter.com/lya1JtxW4o

— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) July 18, 2020

While players could file a grievance if they do not approve of safety procedures and protocols implemented by the league, an email from NFL Vice President of Football Operations Troy Vincent to all 32 clubs reaffirmed expected start dates for camp.

With the exclusion of the Texans and Chiefs, who are slated to play the first game of the regular season on September 10 and will report next Monday, rookies for all other 30 teams are expected to report on July 21. Quarterbacks and injured players will report on July 23, while the remainder of the roster will report on July 28.

Per Tom Pelissero of NFL Network, only 20 players will be allowed in the team facility at a time until the NFLPA approves infectious disease response plans for each team. It remains unclear how practices will be orchestrated on the field to try and implement social distancing measures in a sport where contact is required each play.

The league and players union will continue to hash out these concerns, along with the number of preseason games, an opt-out policy, and financial ramifications without fans in the stands, over the weekend into the start of camp. Further restrictions will be implemented and should be expected with so many unknowns left to sort out.

But at a time where everything is far from normal, it's officially football season and teams such as the Seahawks are proceeding as if players will report next week. Which means in the next few weeks, Russell Wilson could be back on the field throwing dimes to DK Metcalf, a new-look offensive line will be looking to quickly build chemistry, and rookies will finally get their first taste of NFL action in a camp setting unlike any seen before.