Now that we've seen the Marlins have an outbreak, it seems inevitable that they will happen. It sounds like, perhaps, some of the players weren't as careful as expected in the "bubble." How it happened isn't really relevant because I think we can predict that young, rich men will not abide by the rules 100% of the time.
So(assuming there is a season at all), when an NFL team has an outbreak, how will that play out?
-I could see scenarios where a team fields a rookie/back-up team to get them experience but it kind of turns into something that looks like a pre-season game.
-I could see something where opposing teams agree to play the game during a later bye week or something too.
-I could also see scenarios where the NFL changes some rules regarding IR, Practice Squad and 52 player limit. If that occurs mid-season, then the teams effected early in the season would have reason to be upset. ie:When Tom Brady gets sick, a rule changes but not for RW....
-If there are a lot of players (I think the Marlins have 17 or 18, right?) I could see a scenario where a team couldn't even field a team or would have to play with their 52/3 person roster not filled and needing to juggle players and positions. You could sign a few FA and use your Practice Squad but there is a limit as to how many players you can bring in for a 1-3 week period. ... and teams that are close to the cap would have to bring them in under the cap, right? Players that sit out sick still apply to cap limits I think.
I guess I'm curious about the different predicaments that the NFL may predictably find itself in this season and everyone's expectations. In some respects, that may give a creative and "player-centric" front office some advantages. It could also result in teams that have players more willing and disciplined to follow hygenic standards realize an advantage. Or possibly, teams that have a plan in place to both make it easy for players to stay safe/healthy and react when infections occur, will end up with a better team on a weekly average.