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Well, I suppose it was only a matter of time until the COVID-19 (coronavirus) news hit the Pittsburgh Steelers. Thankfully, the news I speak of isn’t regarding a staff member, or player, who has contracted the virus, but of the organization being on the forefront of teams showing precaution as it pertains to travel.
Per Tom Pelissero of the NFL Network, the Steelers are one of the first teams to limit travel this offseason due to rising concerns over the spread of the virus.
Some NFL teams are altering their pre-draft travel plans as a precaution in the face of rising concerns about the new coronavirus known as COVID-19, sources say.
That includes the Pittsburgh Steelers, who are limiting commercial flights for coaches and scouts until further notice as the coronavirus continues to spread across the U.S.
Burt Lauten, the Steelers’ director of communications, confirmed to NFL.com: “We have adjusted our travel plans temporarily as it pertains to pro days.”
For those concerned about the team’s ability to scout prospects and attend pro days, Pelissero states the Steelres won’t be missing out on any big events leading up to the 2020 NFL Draft.
Operating with guidance from public health officials and medical professionals, the Steelers still plan to be represented at pro days, between some private flights and driving if it’s within a reasonable distance.
The Steelers aren’t alone when it comes to precaution surrounding the virus. Other teams have started to make adjustments surrounding travel too.
A second team pulled all of its coaches off the road Tuesday, citing concerns over a possible quarantine, sources told NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport. A third team canceled a private workout with a draft prospect, citing COVID-19, a source told NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo. Other teams are still evaluating potential changes, while scouts and executives for a handful of other teams told NFL.com it remains business as usual.
Thirty of the 32 NFL teams were represented at Oklahoma’s pro day Wednesday, NFL Network’s James Palmer reported, with only the Steelers and New Orleans Saints not present.
With sporting events being cancelled across the country due to concern over COVID-19, you have to wonder what else might be cancelled/postponed. Would the NFL dare push back the NFL Draft, or not allow fans to attend the selection process in Las Vegas?
Drastic times call for drastic measures, but I guess it depends how the NFL views the threat COVID-19 brings to the country, and NFL fans.
Stay tuned to BTSC for the latest news and notes surrounding the black-and-gold as they prepare for NFL Free Agency, the 2020 regular season schedule release and the NFL Draft.