NFL Playoff Bubble On The Table As Concerns Grow Over 2020 Season

The NFL won’t rule out the possibility of using a playoff bubble to lower the chances that any games might be disrupted by a coronavirus outbreak.

“All options are on the table,” said NFL Executive Vice President of Football Operations Troy Vincent on a conference call Wednesday.

New Orleans Saints head coach Sean Payton has reportedly suggested that the league consider a bubble for the postseason, which typically starts the first weekend in January and concludes with the Super Bowl in early February. Super Bowl LV is scheduled for Feb. 7.

The regular season kicks off Sept. 10. Players won’t be forced to stay in one location, a format that’s being used by the NBA and WNBA and has resulted in no positive coronavirus tests.

MLB is reportedly considering a bubble-format for the playoffs in which every team could be relegated to one or two cities. Dozens of baseball games have already been postponed because of outbreaks within clubhouses of the Miami Marlins and St. Louis Cardinals.

The NHL is keeping its players in two “hub cities” for the postseason, a model that both MLB and the NFL could imitate.

The Saints and Dallas Cowboys have constructed bubble-type atmospheres of their own. Players are encouraged to stay at a hotel that is close to each team’s training facility.

NFL players will be incentivized to avoid any activities that could expose them to the virus during the season. Engaging in any behavior deemed “high risk” could result in players being fined or even suspended.

The Seattle Seahawks released cornerback Kemah Siverand last week after he was caught on video trying to sneak a woman into the team hotel, violating the league’s no-guest policy.

The NFL canceled the entire preseason. Teams will play in empty venues or stadiums with limited capacity seating to start the season.