With training camp set to begin, teams have ramped up their efforts to establish viable safety protocols for players during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
The restrictions placed in response to the ongoing pandemic have provided players and teams with their own set of challenges when it comes to preparing for the 2020 NFL season. This is especially true for the Las Vegas Raiders given all the moves they made this offseason while finishing their relocation.
One of the primary factors in the health guidelines put in place by the NFL and NFLPA that players and staff members will be tested every day during training camp. Players will also need to produce multiple negative tests before they are even allowed to be in the building for team activities.
According to Vincent Bonsignore of the Las Vegas Review-Journal, all three of the Raiders quarterbacks have passed the screening process:
Good news on @Raiders QB’s – Derek Carr Marcus Mariota and Nate Peterman have passed the 72-hour COVID screening process. They now have access to Raiders facility for physical/equipment and can take part in virtual meetings
— Vincent Bonsignore (@VinnyBonsignore) July 27, 2020
It is certainly encouraging to see that the Raiders were able to avoid any setbacks under center to begin training camp. They can now officially kick off the quarterback competition that has been brewing since the arrival of Marcus Mariota in free agency.
Meanwhile, the rest of the team is scheduled to go through the protocol in the days leading up to the start of camp. Any player that tests positive will have to go into a quarantine period that could last up to 10 days depending on their symptoms.
Although quarterback Derek Carr remains the starter going into the 2020 campaign, Mariota has every intention of giving him a run for his money. Since the NFL is discussing cancelling the preseason, the longer ramp-up period should give head coach Jon Gruden and general manager Mike Mayock ample time to evaluate their situation under center.
It is safe to say that the Raiders are looking to usher in a new era at Allegiant Stadium in style with all the additions they made on both sides of the ball. Of course, the attention will still be focused on the talented, young core of players on offense.
Running back Josh Jacobs and tight end Darren Waller proved to be the most productive players on offense last season. Meanwhile, the arrival of wide receiver Henry Ruggs III gives this group a much-needed element of explosiveness. The onus will ultimately fall on Carr to put it all together before Gruden ponders giving Mariota an opportunity.