The NFL and NFLPA are in the process of determining guidelines for players to have the option to opt out of the 2020 NFL season. The Chicago Bears will not make the playoffs if one or more of these four players opt out in 2020.
As fans, we are hoping that the NFL season still takes place in 2020. The honest truth is, we do not know for sure if it will. Beyond that, if it means the players risk their health or their family’s health, we should be understanding if the NFL cancels the 2020 season. The Chicago Bears and other teams could struggle anyway if certain players decide to opt out of the 2020 season.
Maybe you did not hear about this, but the NFL and NFLPA are currently in negotiations to develop protocols for players who have underlying conditions and need to opt out of playing during this uncharted time we call 2020. From what has been rumored, it seems that players can also opt out if their family members suffer from any underlying conditions or may be immunocompromised. Furthermore, it sounds as if any player who feels uncomfortable playing can also opt out.
Even if the NFL finds a way to have a season in 2020, it might look very different than what we are used to seeing. As someone who is immunocompromised, I can understand and empathize with any player who may have to make this tough decision. Hopefully, most fans will understand that a player’s health and safety is more important than our entertainment needs, even if we all want football back as normal.
With the new rule in place, it made me realize that if certain players on the Chicago Bears opted out of the 2020 season, the team would no longer be in playoff contention. I narrowed it down to these four and left the quarterback position alone.