A number of NFL teams have begun the process of reopening their facilities this week, adhering to the criteria established in a May 15 memo from Commissioner Roger Goodell.
Teams are allowed to reopen provided they do so under the "governing state and local regulations, are in compliance with additional public health requirements in their jurisdiction, and have implemented the protocols" designed by the league to ensure the safety of all employees.
The Cowboys, Falcons, Steelers, Texans, Colts, Cardinals, and Chiefs all partially reopened their facilities on May 19 -- the first day teams were permitted to open -- and the Bengals followed suit May 20, per NFL Network's Tom Pelissero.
Falcons president Rich McKay explained to reporters that the Falcons have only one entrance open for entry and exiting. Temperatures are taken at the door. Masks must be worn at all times unless in a closed office. The cafeteria and team meeting rooms are closed. About 15 people returned to the Flowery Branch, Ga., facility Tuesday, per McKay, who also gave a virtual tour of the Falcons' reopened facility.
Cowboys owner Jerry Jones also returned to The Star on May 19.
"This is a big day for clubs all over the NFL and for our league as a whole, a big day for sports in general, a day for building confidence," he told the team's official website.
"We are going to are going to be deliberate but also determined. We will keep a close eye on the comfort and care of all of our employees who will be involved in this transition. We are committed to doing that in a smart and safe way that complies with all of the appropriate health and workplace safety standards. We'll do it the right way."
The Packers announced May 22 they will return 75 employees to their offices at Lambeau Field and Titletown beginning May 26. The Jaguars also plan to reopen their offices May 26.
"The reopening of the Jaguars office under established NFL guidelines represents a positive next step toward the return of Jaguars football," Jaguars president Mark Lamping said. "... Just as we will do for our fans, players and coaches, the Jaguars will continue to take all necessary precautions to ensure the well-being of our staff."
The Broncos also opened their facility to employees on May 26.
On May 26, New Jersey governor Phil Murphy said that all professional sports teams in the state can resume training and competition, effective immediately, meaning the Giants and Jets are free to reopen their facilities.
"We are working closely with Governor Murphy's office, the league and our medical staff to establish prudent, health and safety measures for our staff and players," a Jets spokesman told NFL Network. "Based on those guidelines, we will begin to open our facility using a phased approach at a time that is the most practical for our operations."
The Giants said in a statement that they are finalizing plans to reopen Quest Diagnostics Training Center next week.
"For employees who need to return to work at our facility, we expect to begin that process next week," the statement read, "and we will do so in a systematic and safe way that adheres to the state's guidelines and NFL protocols."
As per the NFL's rules, coaches are not permitted to return at this stage.
