I’ll get this out of the way right off the bat: this season will forever have an asterisk next to any and all accomplishments that arise from it. Despite promising deals with the players, the most competitive sport there is will be compromised by the pandemic.
As you may already be aware, there will be no preseason games this season — something the likes of QB Aaron Rodgers will not miss. Then again, players like WR Allen Lazard have used the preseason as a way to highlighting their talent. It is also likely that the Pro Bowl will face a similar fate(*crickets chirping*).
So It Begins
Being among the first of likely many announcements around the league, WR Devin Funchess — who was supposed to add some veteran experience to Rodgers’ receiving corp — announced that he will be sitting this season out due to concerns over the COVID-19 virus:
https://www.instagram.com/p/CDM3i0ChHqL/
This means that Funchess’ one-year deal will not carry over into the following season.
In related news, LB Greg Roberts was also placed on the COVID-19 Reserve List.
Elsewhere in the NFC North, Vikings big off-season free agent acquisition, DT Michael Pierce, has also opted out of the 2020 season. Also, Chicago Bears DT Eddie Goldman will be sitting out the season as well.
I expect to see more and more players either opt out of the season, or hold back physically with recent research showing that even those that recover from the virus are likely to have lingering heart issues.
Looking Ahead
Logistically, here is what we’re looking at in the weeks ahead:
One of the Packers’ greatest strengths at home, 80,000 fans intimidating the opposition with their passion for their team, will very likely not even be a factor this season. If allowed to attend, that number will probably be greatly reduced to prevent games from becoming a catalyst of infection. Some reports indicate that the capacity will be limited to 12,000 — which is just shy of 15% capacity of Lambeau Field.
With fans not being allowed to attend training camp, the local economy in Green Bay is already taking a massive hit, so I am certain local leaders are very eager to put together some sort of a season.
However, let’s face it: this whole season might as well be considered one long preseason.