NFL sends COVID-19 protocols for camp
On Friday night, the NFL sent COVID-19 protocols for 2020 training camp and preseason to all 32 clubs. The memo included the handling of individuals exposed to someone who has tested positive and changes to media access as there will be no in-person interviews until further notice.
The Giants' COVID-19 Task Force has been working hard to make the Quest Diagnostics Training Center as safe as possible. Many important changes have been made for the safety of Giants employees in accordance with guidelines from the CDC, NFL, National Institute of Health, and the State of New Jersey.
Most important is the requirement for employees who are returning to the facility to take their temperature before leaving home, and staying home if their temperature is over 100.4 F. Employees will then have their temperature taken at the facility.
Before employees enter they will be required to complete a daily form to confirm that they are healthy and able to return to the building. After parking, they will walk through the lot with a face covering on and proceed directly to the main entrance.
There will be only one entrance to the building.
There will be signs and floor markings to direct where to stand before entering.
From the time they enter the parking lot to walking into the building, employees must remain six feet apart from others. There are markings on the ground.
From the time they enter the parking lot to walking into the building, employees must remain six feet apart from others.
From the time they enter the parking lot to walking into the building, employees must remain six feet apart from others.
From the time they enter the parking lot to walking into the building, employees must remain six feet apart from others.
From the time they enter the parking lot to walking into the building, employees must remain six feet apart from others.
From the time they enter the parking lot to walking into the building, employees must remain six feet apart from others.
Using hand sanitizer is required before entering the building. The Giants will provide all the proper personal protective equipment (PPE) to keep employees safe as social distancing remains in place. Sanitizing stations are located throughout the facility.
Using hand sanitizer is required before entering the building. The Giants will provide all the proper personal protective equipment (PPE) to keep employees safe as social distancing remains in place.
Per the NFL's Phase One Guidelines, the Giants have assembled an Infection Response Team (IRT) and a team of Infection Control Officers (ICOs) to protect Giants employees. Employees will receive a card with the names and phone numbers of ICOs before or when they return to work at the facility.
There are educational signs throughout the building. The most important one is "if you're feeling sick, stay home."
There are educational signs throughout the building.
There are educational signs throughout the building.
There are educational signs throughout the building.
There are educational signs throughout the building.
There are educational signs throughout the building.
There are educational signs throughout the building.
Arrows will direct people throughout the building to maintain a circular pattern and help keep people six feet apart. The goal is to limit the number of times employees pass each other in the hallway.
Arrows will direct people throughout the building to maintain a circular pattern and help keep people six feet apart.
Arrows will direct people throughout the building to maintain a circular pattern and help keep people six feet apart.
Arrows will direct people throughout the building to maintain a circular pattern and help keep people six feet apart.
Arrows will direct people throughout the building to maintain a circular pattern and help keep people six feet apart.
Arrows will direct people throughout the building to maintain a circular pattern and help keep people six feet apart.
The cafeteria, locker room, and weight room will be closed. Break rooms and copier rooms will be limited to one person at a time and must be wiped down with disinfectant prior to leaving each time.
The cafeteria, locker room, and weight room will be closed. Break rooms and copier rooms will be limited to one person at a time and must be wiped down with disinfectant prior to leaving each time.
The cafeteria, locker room, and weight room will be closed. Break rooms and copier rooms will be limited to one person at a time and must be wiped down with disinfectant prior to leaving each time.
Arrows will direct people throughout the building to maintain a circular pattern and help keep people six feet apart. The goal is to limit the number of times employees pass each other in the hallway.
Arrows will direct people throughout the building to maintain a circular pattern and help keep people six feet apart. The goal is to limit the number of times employees pass each other in the hallway.
Giants announce updates to football operations staff
In spite of an unprecedented offseason, which included the shutdown of the Giants' home offices and practice facility – the Quest Diagnostics Training Center – general manager Dave Gettleman has continued to re-shape not only the 90-man roster but also the team's football operations staff.
Gettleman's non-roster moves have included the addition of several newcomers as well as expanded responsibilities for some who have been with the organization.
"This has been a difficult several months for everybody, not just for those of us in sport," said Gettleman. "As unusual as these times have been, we need to continue to be progressive so the New York Giants can ultimately be what we and our fans envision. We are very excited about what we have been able to accomplish. With these changes and additions, we continue to position ourselves for the future."
Dr. Lani Lawrence fills a newly-created position, director of wellness and clinical services, as well as overseeing the team's player engagement/development program; Ed Triggs, formerly the football operations coordinator, is now the director of football operations; Ty Siam is director of football data & innovation; Courtney Kennedy is the football data analyst; Marquis Pendleton is now an area scout after spending the previous four years as the team's scout in the BLESTO scouting combine; Blaise Bell is the new BLESTO scout; Hannah Burnett is the new Midlands scout; Craig Fitzgerald is the director of strength and performance; Sam Coad is performance manager/assistant strength coach; and Nick Williams will serve as an offensive assistant on the coaching staff.
Xavier McKinney ready to contribute wherever needed
Safety Xavier McKinney prides himself on being comfortable in any situation.
Wow, 2020 is putting that to the test.
"Well, it's definitely been different," the rookie second-round pick told the Giants Huddle podcast. "The big word that I keep hearing is unique. I think our situation has been very unique just because this is the first time something like this has happened. It definitely has been a different experience, but at the same time, I never went through the [normal] experiences before.
"So for me, this is just something that I have to go through as far as my process and all the other rookies. But I think it's been good overall. It's a lot of Zoom calls, I'll tell you that. It's a lot of calls over the phone, which you can kind of get tired of, at times. But it's definitely been fun. It's a different experience and I've loved every bit of it."
McKinney and the Giants wrapped up the virtual off-season program two weeks ago, setting the stage for training camp as the first opportunity the team will see each other in person this year. The Alabama product said it will be a challenge, at first, just because the team has not been on the field together yet. But he believes everyone prepared the best they could.
McKinney started to reach out to his new teammates the moment the Giants drafted him in late April and continued to do so remotely this Spring. However, he is champing at the bit for the real thing.
"I'm just ready to go and build that relationship with those guys," McKinney said. "And actually ready to get on the field and be able to play with all these guys that I've seen in the past – like watched on TV. I'm ready to get things going at this point."
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