Should the NFL allow more players this year?

[Just Jack]

With everything going on, should the NFL allow teams to carry more than the 53 players this year? I was thinking in the 70-75 range. 

[Doc Brown]

Just the practice squad as I'm assuming they'll expand it to at least 15 players.  I'd make it 20 in case a bunch of players come down with it at once.

[Putin]

If this is going to get to a point where players will be getting sick left and right , then the answer will probably be to end the games/season not bringing in more players 

[Rochesterfan]

5 hours ago, Just Jack said:

With everything going on, should the NFL allow teams to carry more than the 53 players this year? I was thinking in the 70-75 range. 

 

If players are missing games at that level - then the season should be shut down.

 

I also do not see where the money is coming from to pay these extra players without some major concessions from the current players.  If they keep close to 75 players - that is like an additional 700 players across the league.  Even at a minimum salary of $500,000 - that is like 350 million for players salaries in a year they expect to see an ~30% decrease in revenue with few to no fans.  That does not include the extra travel cost, food cost, stipends, and risk of virus spread with a higher density of players needing to use the same size facilities.
 

I could see a small boost in practice squad players and maybe a shift in practice squad rules with teams not being able to steal practice squad players and more call ups.  You could also see an adjustment in the IR allowing sick players two or three weeks of IR and a free call up or something, but I do not see a big expansion of the active roster.  The cost would be prohibitive without that being counteracted someplace else in the CBA.

Edited July 7, 2020 by Rochesterfan

[Mickey]

As my Uncle Zeeb used to say, when a ship is sinking, the idea is to get everyone off the ship, not recruit additional passengers. Is the ship sinking? Only time will tell but lord knows, it's not looking good.

[CSBill]

Yes. And let all players on the active roster suit up for games.

[machine gun kelly]

The only reason I voted no, is an active player is $400,000 +, but a practice squad player is $125,000.  I absolutely agree increasing the practice squad To 20 makes perfect sense or at least 16 which is being thrown out there by some.  We need enough bodies to deal with the virus.  That part is obvious.  Just taking a guy off the street is not the best plan as it’s expected the virus will take people out for at least two weeks.  If more bodies have been practicing and know the playbook, and strategies, we’re in better shape.

[Gugny]

CA, GA, FL and TX ... four of the "Idiot States," have ten NFL teams between them.

 

There should not be an NFL season.

[SlimShady'sSpaceForce]

7 minutes ago, Gugny said:

CA, GA, FL and TX ... four of the "Idiot States," have ten NFL teams between them.

 

There should not be an NFL season.

 

Why?   Play w/o a packed stadium.   

 

Sell blocks of seats so that capacity runs 30 to 50 % capacity.   

 

Playing the game isn't going to cause more harm.   It will keep people in front of a TV for 4 to 12 hours depending on fanhood.   

 

That is better than them going out to public parks and beaches where the morons can infect more people in public.  

 

[Gugny]

11 minutes ago, SlimShady'sSpaceForce said:

 

Why?   Play w/o a packed stadium.   

 

Sell blocks of seats so that capacity runs 30 to 50 % capacity.   

 

Playing the game isn't going to cause more harm.   It will keep people in front of a TV for 4 to 12 hours depending on fanhood.   

 

That is better than them going out to public parks and beaches where the morons can infect more people in public.  

 

 

NFL players are just as susceptible to this virus as anyone else.  And they're not going to be practicing social distancing, mainly because it's impossible to do when it comes to playing a contact sport.

 

If someone needs the NFL in order to make a unselfish/responsible decision, then that someone is a feeble-minded a-hole, IMO.

 

This (forcing this season to happen) is just another example of money being more important than life.

 

It's ***** football.  It's a ***** game.

 

Edited July 7, 2020 by Gugny
typo

[LabattBlue]

2 hours ago, Putin said:

If this is going to get to a point where players will be getting sick left and right , then the answer will probably be to end the games/season not bringing in more players 

This!  I said the same thing when this same question came up in the last couple months.  
 

?

[Just Jack]

2 hours ago, Rochesterfan said:

That does not include the extra travel cost, food cost, stipends, and risk of virus spread with a higher density of players needing to use the same size facilities.

 

I would not have the extras travel with the team, just take who you normally would.  

[1ManRaid]

1 hour ago, Just Jack said:

 

I would not have the extras travel with the team, just take who you normally would.  

Then what's the point of expanding the roster if they're not really on the roster?  Isn't that what the practice squad is for?

[Mickey]

3 hours ago, SlimShady'sSpaceForce said:

 

Why?   Play w/o a packed stadium.   

 

Sell blocks of seats so that capacity runs 30 to 50 % capacity.   

 

Playing the game isn't going to cause more harm.   It will keep people in front of a TV for 4 to 12 hours depending on fanhood.   

 

That is better than them going out to public parks and beaches where the morons can infect more people in public.  

 

 

And when you need to get to go to the bathroom or get a beer, will you levitate your way to the aisle? As I recall, negotiating your way to the aisle requires a whole lot of butt-to-face interactions measured in inches. Whether you have to go past 50 people or 25 or 33 or whatever, there is going to be a whole lot of social intimacy. I am so glad that we invented television.

Edited July 7, 2020 by Mickey

[Patrick Moran]

It's going to be so hard for undrafted and under the radar guys to make a mark this year. 

[machine gun kelly]

Mickey, great take on walking through the aisles, and for that matter the tunnels, bathrooms, etc.  It is absolutely impossible to do social distancing in a mass event like an NFL game.  Is it so bad to sacrifice being in the stands for the public good, but the positive is you get to watch all the games.  The players have to sacrifice their routine to get paid their full amount, meaning the face guard and underarmour shirt long sleeve, and gloves to minimize contact, and maybe allowing extra time for people to run clean sanitized towels out between plays.  None of which will protect completely, but it’s something.

 

I for one want the games, want to make it as safe as can be thought of for the players, more importantly the coaches and staff as many of them are older, and still have some kind of entertainment for all of us.  It doesn’t have to be all or nothing.  By 2021, I’m confident there will be a commercially available vaccine for those that want to take it.  My guess is the spring so by the fall of 2021, we should be able to get this under control.

[Paup 1995MVP]

6 hours ago, Gugny said:

 

NFL players are just as susceptible to this virus as anyone else.  And they're not going to be practicing social distancing, mainly because it's impossible to do when it comes to playing a contact sport.

 

If someone needs the NFL in order to make a unselfish/responsible decision, then that someone is a feeble-minded a-hole, IMO.

 

This (forcing this season to happen) is just another example of money being more important than life.

 

It's ***** football.  It's a ***** game.

 

How afraid of life are you?!!  People have been dying since the beginning of time.  Are you seriously that afraid of Covid-19?  The virus isn't going away until there is a vaccine or it cycles thru the entire population.  Its just something we need to deal with and live our lives.  You can just shut it down and hide.  But I think most of us are moving forward with some precautions.  

 

There is absolutely no reason for the NFL season to be postponed.  How is that going to get rid of the virus?  You have to live and enjoy.  And btw I live in one of the "idiot states" you mentioned.  We are doing fine in Georgia as far as the Corona is concerned.  We are going out, taking precautions and living our lives.  How is it going for you all worked up and shut in?

[Gugny]

2 minutes ago, Paup 1995MVP said:

How afraid of life are you?!!  People have been dying since the beginning of time.  Are you seriously that afraid of Covid-19?  The virus isn't going away until there is a vaccine or it cycles thru the entire population.  Its just something we need to deal with and live our lives.  You can just shut it down and hide.  But I think most of us are moving forward with some precautions.  

 

There is absolutely no reason for the NFL season to be postponed.  How is that going to get rid of the virus?  You have to live and enjoy.  And btw I live in one of the "idiot states" you mentioned.  We are doing fine in Georgia as far as the Corona is concerned.  We are going out, taking precautions and living our lives.  How is it going for you all worked up and shut in?

 

I'm not worked up at all.  I'm also not shut in.  

 

I guess part of "living and enjoying life," for me is knowing I'm doing my part as far as not killing other people goes.

 

And no ... no, you're not "doing fine," in Georgia. 

 

Be well.

[Rc2catch]

As others said practice squads should have added players, and if your team comes down with 15-20 cases more than likely that’s gonna end the season for the whole league anyways. 

[teef]

8 minutes ago, Paup 1995MVP said:

How afraid of life are you?!!  People have been dying since the beginning of time.  Are you seriously that afraid of Covid-19?  The virus isn't going away until there is a vaccine or it cycles thru the entire population.  Its just something we need to deal with and live our lives.  You can just shut it down and hide.  But I think most of us are moving forward with some precautions.  

 

There is absolutely no reason for the NFL season to be postponed.  How is that going to get rid of the virus?  You have to live and enjoy.  And btw I live in one of the "idiot states" you mentioned.  We are doing fine in Georgia as far as the Corona is concerned.  We are going out, taking precautions and living our lives.  How is it going for you all worked up and shut in?

the "how afraid of life are you" comments have become the meathead's battle cry.

[Chandler#81]

9 minutes ago, Rc2catch said:

As others said practice squads should have added players, and if your team comes down with 15-20 cases more than likely that’s gonna end the season for the whole league anyways. 

This, and now with just 2 PS games, rookies/UDFA’s have next to zero chance to prove themselves-or the players who currently hold the position to show necessary growth.

 

But, this year is already so upside down and inside out, I have no clue what’s the best tactic moving forward. ?‍♂️

[Punching Bag]

9 hours ago, Putin said:

If this is going to get to a point where players will be getting sick left and right , then the answer will probably be to end the games/season not bringing in more players 

 

They will not necessarily get sick but may have been exposed to virus and need to be quarantined for two weeks.  This appears to happen to a number of people.  The NFL may just decide to be cautious and limit player with notice that player is getting paid for time and they have responsibility to stay out of touch except for tests with medical staff.  In past there have been players to injured to play (according to player and player's doctor) but player was witnessed playing pickup basketball, golf, volleyball, etc.  It is not supposed to be a paid vacation.

[Rc2catch]

20 minutes ago, Chandler#81 said:

This, and now with just 2 PS games, rookies/UDFA’s have next to zero chance to prove themselves-or the players who currently hold the position to show necessary growth.

 

But, this year is already so upside down and inside out, I have no clue what’s the best tactic moving forward. ?‍♂️

Nobody does. Hard to say I feel bad for millionaires and their families but it’s sooooo much more than just the regular starting big money players. Fringe roster guys and UDFA  guys and equipment managers and trainers etc etc all guinea pigs in this experiment. I selfishly want to see some football but the pressure from the very top to the very bottom to try and pull this off must be insane. I have began leaning towards suspending the season. 

Edited July 7, 2020 by Rc2catch

[Rocky Landing]

I voted no, as the question is posed, for mostly selfish reasons.

The more teams are able to expand their rosters, the deeper they become. The Bills, last season, and this season, had an advantage in depth, especially on defense. We will also be carrying more continuity from last season than most other teams, especially in our division. I wouldn't want to dilute those advantages. 

 

I do think the PS should be expanded considerably. The risks of Covid-19, and the possibility of losing players to the virus aren't going to apply to the actual day of the game. Once there are 46 men on the field on Sunday, it's not like someone is going to drop out at halftime. It's during the week when a significant number of players might test positive, and have to quarantine. I would think having a minimum of 23 PS players, and expanding PS eligibility requirements significantly would be a good safety net for the season.

 

 

 

Edited July 7, 2020 by Rocky Landing

[Chandler#81]

2 minutes ago, Rocky Landing said:

I voted no, as the question is posed, for mostly selfish reasons.

The more teams are able to expand their rosters, the deeper they become. The Bills, last season, and this season, had an advantage in depth, especially on defense. We will also be carrying more continuity from last season than most other teams, especially in our division. I wouldn't want to dilute those advantages. 

 

I do think the PS should be expanded considerably. The risks of Covid-19, and the possibility of losing players to the virus aren't going to apply to the actual day of the game. Once there are 46 men on the field on Sunday, it's not like someone is going to drop out at halftime. It's during the week when a significant number of players might test positive, and have to quarantine. I would think having a minimum of 23 PS players, and expanding PS eligibility requirements significantly would be a good safety net for the season.

 

 

 

Points well taken. If we have any leg up on many teams, it’s 3 years with McD, Beane & Co. Expanded rosters diminish that advantage.

[PromoTheRobot]

10 hours ago, Mickey said:

As my Uncle Zeeb used to say, when a ship is sinking, the idea is to get everyone off the ship, not recruit additional passengers. Is the ship sinking? Only time will tell but lord knows, it's not looking good.

 

Two MLB teams had to suspend training camp because of too many Covid cases. They are only a week in and it's already getting tenuous.

Edited July 7, 2020 by PromoTheRobot

[Figster]

9 hours ago, Gugny said:

 

NFL players are just as susceptible to this virus as anyone else.  And they're not going to be practicing social distancing, mainly because it's impossible to do when it comes to playing a contact sport.

 

If someone needs the NFL in order to make a unselfish/responsible decision, then that someone is a feeble-minded a-hole, IMO.

 

This (forcing this season to happen) is just another example of money being more important than life.

 

It's ***** football.  It's a ***** game.

 

Good take Gu,

 

I will say however football players like anyone else deserve the right to make their own decisions when it comes to working/ playing and judging from the difference of approach and opinions from the younger generation to old on Covid 19. For the most part we have a difference of opinion. Myself personally, its probably just as dangerous to go shopping or eat out at a restraunt then to play contact sports on a field with men tested on a regular basis.

 

I'm just saying... 

Edited July 7, 2020 by Figster

[Mr. WEO]

9 hours ago, Gugny said:

 

NFL players are just as susceptible to this virus as anyone else.  And they're not going to be practicing social distancing, mainly because it's impossible to do when it comes to playing a contact sport.

 

If someone needs the NFL in order to make a unselfish/responsible decision, then that someone is a feeble-minded a-hole, IMO.

 

This (forcing this season to happen) is just another example of money being more important than life.

 

It's ***** football.  It's a ***** game.

 

 

Players don't have to play.

[SoCal Deek]

I think they should allow each home team to have 65,000 players so the stadiums will be full! 

[JESSEFEFFER]

IMO, the IR designated to return needs to change to accommodate maintaining the quality of game day rosters. 

 

"....the NFL changed the IR with return designation so that you no longer have to designate the player who will get the designation at the time they are placed on the list. Now, teams can bring back any two players they've placed on IR at any time after the eight week mandate to be on the list has been met.

Previously, if a team wanted to use the one return designation spot, they had to declare it when the player was placed on IR. Now, they can just see who is getting healthy quickly, and take them off IR after they’ve been on the list for eight weeks (or more).

One constraint here is that a player must be on the 53-man roster in Week 1 to be eligible for the IR designation to return. That means, anyone who was placed on IR before roster cuts were made to trim the roster down to 53 players is not eligible."

 

 

A positive test that runs the course through quarantine and an actual illness would last 4 weeks minimum?  Ready to play again in 6 weeks maybe?  Let's say this applies to 6 players over the course of 4 months.  They should be IR'd and they should be eligible to return to the active roster when ready without restriction.  Teams should not have to worry about designating only two for return to the roster on top of players who suffer a more typical physical injury. 

 

Reduce the time limit to 6 weeks and allow more than two to return.

[Gugny]

1 hour ago, Jaraxxus said:

 

Such passion.

 

 

 

Not sure what state you're from, but New York is in just about the best shape in the country and I don't want anything putting that into jeopardy.  

 

Any kind of "bubble" plan is a pipe dream.  If anyone thinks these athletes are going to go months without getting laid or seeing their families, you're out of your minds.

 

Had the "idiot states," followed NY/NJ/CT, my feelings would be much, much different, I'm sure.

 

But as of now, this country is an effing mess as far as the pandemic is concerned and forcing an NFL season, to me, shouldn't be a priority.

 

[Rocky Landing]

3 hours ago, Gugny said:

 

Not sure what state you're from, but New York is in just about the best shape in the country and I don't want anything putting that into jeopardy.  

 

Any kind of "bubble" plan is a pipe dream.  If anyone thinks these athletes are going to go months without getting laid or seeing their families, you're out of your minds.

 

Had the "idiot states," followed NY/NJ/CT, my feelings would be much, much different, I'm sure.

 

But as of now, this country is an effing mess as far as the pandemic is concerned and forcing an NFL season, to me, shouldn't be a priority.

 

I have to believe that were all the teams to follow protocols that included no fans in attendance, daily testing of all players, and staff, and a vigorous cleaning, and disinfecting regimen, they would be reasonably safe, and manageable.

 

I live in Los Angeles, the idiot city, in the idiot county of the idiot state of CA, and some motion picture productions are starting to open (mostly commercials), and so far seem to be manageable. Larger productions have yet to restart, but that has far more to do with production costs, and managing the safety costs of these shows. If the NFL wants to spend the money, they can do it.

 

 

Edited July 8, 2020 by Rocky Landing

[Rochesterfan]

4 hours ago, PromoTheRobot said:

 

Two MLB teams had to suspend training camp because of too many Covid cases. They are only a week in and it's already getting tenuous.

MLS also shut 1 team down and is on the verge of shutting down a second team and they have just started.

 

It is no joke in these community spread situations- it is spreading like wildfire.

[LabattBlue]

It would not surprise me if no professional team sports are played for the remainder of the year.  

[MJS]

Not sure it matters. As long as every team is allowed the same number, they all have the same issues to deal with.

[Figster]

15 hours ago, MJS said:

Not sure it matters. As long as every team is allowed the same number, they all have the same issues to deal with.

It might be wise to seperate the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd string players during practice sessions, locker room activity and on gamedays.

 

When I say seperate I mean in a social distancing manner. (With the hopes of keeping each level of player groups intact)

 

 

[Mango]

19 minutes ago, Figster said:

It might be wise to seperate the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd string players during practice sessions, locker room activity and on gamedays.

 

When I say seperate I mean in a social distancing manner. (With the hopes of keeping each level of player groups intact)

 

 

 

Agreed. Probably a rolling start to practice makes sense. 1st string comes in at 7. Field by 8. Quickly disinfect the room. 2nd string in at 8:30. Field by 9:30, etc. It would require additional investment in expanding the staff and cleaning attendants, but it is manageable, and insures that the entire roster doesn't cross contaminate except on Sundays. 

I guess it all depends if the Pegula's could afford to do that and maintain their families lifestyle...

[Augie]

On 7/7/2020 at 1:56 PM, Rc2catch said:

As others said practice squads should have added players, and if your team comes down with 15-20 cases more than likely that’s gonna end the season for the whole league anyways. 

 

Add as many practice squad players as you want. That way, decades from now, those guys will be able to tell their grandkids about how they once were NFL football players.   

 

As much as I hate to say it, I’m kinda with @Gugny on this one. Our Mayor is now instituting a mandatory mask policy. We wanted to head to the NC mountains for a little vacation, but found they have a similar policy there. I don’t know how you legally and responsibly pull off an NFL football season in this environment. I’m not afraid or hiding in the house, just being realistic and practical. I’d love to be wrong. 

[Gugny]

Just now, Augie said:

As much as I hate to say it, I’m kinda with @Gugny on this one.

 

Story of my life ...

[Augie]

8 minutes ago, Mango said:

 

Agreed. Probably a rolling start to practice makes sense. 1st string comes in at 7. Field by 8. Quickly disinfect the room. 2nd string in at 8:30. Field by 9:30, etc. It would require additional investment in expanding the staff and cleaning attendants, but it is manageable, and insures that the entire roster doesn't cross contaminate except on Sundays. 

I guess it all depends if the Pegula's could afford to do that and maintain their families lifestyle...

 

But.....won’t they need meetings by position? All the WR’s in one room, all of the OLine having their meetings. You could have entire positions go down. How do you field a team if one position group is decimated? It’s unlikely to be spread evenly across a team, I’d think. 

 

 

.

Edited July 8, 2020 by Augie