With the attention turning toward getting back in the game, the NFL is reportedly working on developing a helmet face guard that could provide the same kind of protection that a surgical mask usually gives.
According to Atlanta Falcons president Rich McKay, the issue came up during a conference call with the league’s competition committee last month.
He says the new mask would likely cover even more of the face than the visors that many players currently wear to protect their eyes.
Social Distancing tip:
Remember DO NOT grab another person’s face mask
It’s a 15-yard penalty and an automatic first down
— NFL Memes (@NFL_Memes) May 15, 2020
Tom Mayer, who serves as the medical director of the NFL Players Association, recently told ESPN’s Adam Schefter that the league’s engineers and sports equipment company Oakley have teamed up to test prototypes of the mask, which may end up containing surgical or N95 material.
In addition, Mayer says there will probably be a recommendation for teams to use the mask when the NFL begins preseason in August.
Whatever it takes to get the teams back on the fields and the fans in the stands safely!