While the NFL season hasn't been as affected by coronavirus like the rest of the professional sports leagues, preparation for that impact has already begun.
According to the SportsBusiness Journal, the NFL has contingencies in place in case the season needs to be delayed due to the virus. They include having no Pro Bowl, starting the season as late as Oct. 15, and having no bye weeks.
Also, the Super Bowl, which is currently scheduled to be played in Tampa on Feb. 7, could be kicking off on Feb. 28.
The 2020 NFL schedule is set to come out no later than May 9, which will look like it normally does: 17 weeks with 16 games and a bye week. But, as we've seen with other sports leagues trying hard to finish or begin their seasons, the NFL will adapt with the situation.
Until that time, the NFL will run as it normally does.
"We've been in constant communication with the NFL and we're totally focused on Feb. 7, 2021," Tampa Bay sports commission executive Director Rob Higgins said.
Now, of course, the virus has affected the NFL offseason, with the first virtual NFL Draft. And there's also the virtual voluntary offseason that coaches and players are going through at the moment. Free agents and rookies can't meet with their new teammates or coaches, while new head coaches like the Giants' Joe Judge and Browns' Kevin Stefanski can't start things how they wanted.
The hope is that the NFL season will start on time and these contingencies don't need to be enacted. But they are in place just in case.
Video: Adam Gase talks Darnold, Adams, and virtual offseason
