The Houston Texans can open up their team facilities at NRG Stadium as soon as May 19.
According to an email from NFL commissioner Roger Goodell via the NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, all 32 NFL teams are permitted to reopen their facilities as soon as May 19 if they meet certain criteria.
The Texans and the other 31 teams have to be in compliance with local and state regulations on public health. They also have to implement protocols developed by NFL chief medical officer Dr. Allen Sills.
The reopening of team facilities has limitations.
Coaching staffs are not allowed to return to the facilities as part of a competitive advantage; not all 32 facilities will be able to open on May 19. However, the strength and conditioning staffs can work in the facility if they are helping out with player rehab, and only players rehabbing are allowed in team facilities.
The staffing at team facilities is capped at 50% of the staff, and the staff number can’t go beyond 75 people.
If an incidence of COVID-19 occurs in the facility, teams have to report it immediately. The same goes if there is any change in government regulations.
The road back to normal following the COVID-19 pandemic is long, but at least the NFL is about to enter its first phase of reopening.
