CHICAGO _ When the news spread Monday that Philadelphia Eagles coach Doug Pederson had tested positive for COVID-19 and was heading for quarantine, Matt Nagy took a moment to gather himself. Nagy reached out to his friend and former colleague and was encouraged to learn Pederson was asymptomatic and feeling fine.
"We're all here for one another," Nagy said.
But for the Chicago Bears coach, it was yet another reminder. This 2020 football expedition promises to be tricky throughout and, at times, quite treacherous.
Stay alert. Stay flexible.
Be ready for anything.
"We all have to go into these days like anything can happen," Nagy said.
The Bears are more than a week into training camp and progressing toward the possible start of the season as much as they possibly can. League protocols won't allow any sort of traditional practices next week. Thus for now, the Bears are immersed in meetings and walk-throughs and strength and conditioning sessions.
Meanwhile, players and coaches are learning to adapt in their newly reconfigured surroundings at Halas Hall with this strange, new reality of pandemic-related precautions becoming a part of their everyday world.
Two Bears players _ nose tackle Eddie Goldman and safety Jordan Lucas _ have opted out of the 2020 season with the full understanding and support of the team. Three others _ running back Artavis Pierce, tight end Eric Saubert and defensive tackle John Jenkins _ have been placed on the newly created reserve/COVID-19 list. All three were activated within four days.
As the head coach, Nagy has had to keep his firefighting gear handy.
"We let everybody know: Expect the unexpected," Nagy said. "You just never know."
