The NFL and NFLPA are discussing player opt-outs for the 2020 season due to the COVID-19 pandemic, according to Tom Pelissero of NFL Network.
"My understanding is both the union and the league intend to have an opt-out for players who have either a preexisting condition, family (members) with preexisting conditions, just general concerns over COVID-19, would not want to play this season," Pelissero said, according to Kevin Patra of NFL.com.
"General managers were told on a call earlier this week there would be a specific date by which players would need to opt-out," he continued. "That date is still to be determined."
Pelissero adds that the league and union are still also trying to decide if the contracts of players who opt-out will toll over.
On Tuesday, Buffalo Bills wide receiver Stefon Diggs was the latest big-name player to raise concerns about playing amid the coronavirus.
I miss football...
— DIGGS (@stefondiggs) July 7, 2020
But there’s so many unanswered questions with this upcoming season. I’d be lying if I said I was comfortable starting back up..
— DIGGS (@stefondiggs) July 7, 2020
Some players in other major leagues that are attempting to return to action, such as the NBA and MLB, have decided not to participate.