New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy has followed Andrew Cuomo’s lead in New York and is allowing professional sports teams to train and return to competition in the state.
This means that the Jets and Giants, both headquartered in New Jersey, are now able to return to their facilities and play games – which would not be until August the earliest with preseason – as long as they adhere to the NFL’s guidelines and follow the necessary health protocols.
UPDATE: Professional sports teams in NJ may return to training and even competition – if their leagues choose to move in that direction. We have been in constant discussions with teams about necessary protocols to protect the health and safety of players, coaches, and personnel. pic.twitter.com/yMrCFtSyqY
— Governor Phil Murphy (@GovMurphy)
May 26, 2020 The NFL’s guidelines currently limit personnel inside team facilities to medical staff and players rehabbing injuries. No other players or coaches are currently permitted under these rules.
A Jets spokesman told multiple reporters that the franchise is working closely with the governor’s office and league office, and will use a phased approach to reopen the facilities.
#Jets spokesman: They are working with Gov Murphy, NFL & docs "to establish prudent, health and safety measures for our staff and players. Based on those guidelines, we will begin to open our facility using a phased approach at a time that is most practical for our operations."
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet)
May 26, 2020 Meanwhile, a spokesperson for the Giants issued a similar statement, and added that the team plans to begin the process of bringing employees back to the building by next week.
#Giants released a statement saying the team is “finalizing our plans to reopen” their facility and that they’ll continue having “as many employees as possible” working remotely.For employees that return, the team expects to begin that process of bringing them back next week.
— Zack Rosenblatt (@ZackBlatt)
May 26, 2020 The Giants and Jets, along with the rest of the NFL, have been conducting a virtual offseason program this spring in place of OTAs, which was extended earlier this month through May 29.
According to SNY's Ralph Vacchiano, a return to minicamp in mid-June still seems unlikely for both the Jets and Giants, but training camp -- which can begin as early as July 29 -- is more likely.
The Philadelphia Sixers are also eligible to return to their respective training facilities in the state, too.
The Sixers train in Camden, NJ and can choose to begin practicing there as the NBA eyes a July return at a central location in Orlando.
The New Jersey Devils, on the other hand, likely will not qualify for the NHL’s return, which is expected to be a 24-team playoff format.
