LA Chargers: Five takeaways from Hard Knocks Episode 1

3. COVID safety protocols

Hard Knocks certainly showed off the fact that the safety protocols for this season are unlike any other, and rightfully so. The NFL is trying their hardest to make games playable in 2020, and all of the protocols being followed are the key to making that happen.

Casey Hayward‘s testing experience was very relatable as someone who has to get tested weekly. Getting swabbed daily definitely takes some getting used to, I’d imagine. We saw the experiences of getting tested through the eyes of many Chargers, including Derwin James, Desmond King, and Keenan Allen.

https://twitter.com/Chargers/status/1293370354807652352

In addition to the daily testing, we also saw mask-wearing and vigorous cleaning. Both the Chargers’ and Rams’ staffs seemed to be doing the most they could to prevent any possible outbreak. The Chargers’ overall philosophy on safety and COVID seems to be that of what Bosa said a little over a week ago. ”The most responsible team is going to be the one who wins.”

Both Sean McVay and Lynn mentioned the outbreak that the Miami Marlins had in their clubhouse. That put the baseball season in serious jeopardy, and the whole MLB is still on somewhat thin ice with COVID cases and postponing games. The NFL seems to be trying their hardest to avoid that happening by being as vigilant as they can be.

Justin Jones mentioned that his girlfriend is currently pregnant, which is a situation that I’m sure a lot of players around the league are going through. Some opted out due to concerns with their families, like Dont’a Hightower and Marquise Goodwin.

We have to remember that there are quite a few of players who are taking some level of risk with the health of their families by playing rather than opting out, possibly because they feel a need to keep their spot.