Dak Prescott, Dallas Cowboys set to report for testing on Tuesday, begin unusual camp
As quarterback Dak Prescott and the rest of the veteran Dallas Cowboys are set to report to The Star in Frisco Tuesday in advance of training camp, commissioner Roger Goodell posted a letter to fans saying that the league’s goal is to have a complete season while acknowledging how different 2020 will be in light of the coronavirus pandemic.
“Adaptability and flexibility will be needed for the foreseeable future,” Goodell said. “After all, even the best game plan changes as new challenges arise. While this year will forever be defined by a heartbreaking global pandemic and a transformative social justice movement, I am reminded of the tenacious, resilient spirit of our country, the NFL community, and you, the greatest fans in the world.”
Tuesday will be Prescott’s first appearance at the team facility since at least March when the Cowboys placed the franchise tag on him and he then boycotted the team’s offseason program in hopes of getting a contract extension. That was before the league-wide COVID-19 shutdown began.
Prescott signed his franchise tag on June 22, guaranteeing him a club record $31.4 million salary for 2020. But because they were unable to come to terms on a long-term deal by July 15, the two sides can’t resume negotiations until after the season.
Goodell made no promises of a full season, which means there could be a shut down at some point due to COVID-19. The preseason has already been canceled.
But the NFL hopes to have a complete season that concludes with the playoffs and the Super Bowl.
“Players and coaches will be tested for the virus regularly, including every day for a while,” Goodell said. “Preseason games have been canceled. Everyone in the team environment must follow rigorous health and safety protocols to keep themselves and each other safe. When there is a positive test, strict regulations will be enforced to isolate and care for that individual and to contain the virus before it spreads. And, state and local health guidelines will help determine whether fans will attend the games. These adjustments are necessary to reduce the risk for everyone involved.
“Thanks to the collaboration of the players and a lot of hard work from our clubs, especially their medical and training staffs, our plans are in place for the 2020 season.”
A different 2020 season starts with a different look to training camp that will see the Cowboys staying at home for camp for the first time in franchise history.
It begins with four days of COVID-19 testing and virtual meetings starting Tuesday. Players will not be allowed in team facilities until they have tested negative three times.
On Aug. 1 and 2, physicals will be conducted and equipment will be distributed and then an eight-day “acclimatization period” begins on Aug. 3.
This includes 60 minutes of weight training and 60 minutes of conditioning, in groups of fewer than 15. Walk-through practices of up to 60 minutes are permitted on the first four days, with up to 75 minutes the final four days.
From Aug. 11-15, there will be a five-day gradual ramp-up period that includes one day off. During this time, there can be up to 3.5 hours of on-field time. Practices start at 90 minutes in duration with 15-minute daily increases, up to 120 minutes.
The first two days players will have helmets and protective shirts. The final two days players can wear helmets and shell shoulder pads. But no live contract.
Padded practices begin on Aug. 17 and there can be up to 14 padded practices through Sept. 6.
Training camp rosters must be cut from 90-80 players by Aug. 16, and before the start of padded practices.
If the Cowboys wait to reduce to 80, they must utilize split-squad procedures, with one group mainly consisting of rookies, first-year players, and any quarterbacks or injured players assigned to that group. The second group will consist of all veteran players who report on Tuesday.
Early on, the big focus will be testing, as players will be tested every day for the first two weeks and then every other day if the positive tests are less than five percent.
The Cowboys already have one player on the NFL’s Reserve/COVID-19 list as receiver Jon’Vea Johnson tested positive last Thursday when he was tested with the rookie and first-year players.
