Eagles close their facilities amid COVID-19 pandemic, issue statement

The Philadelphia Eagles are the first NFL team to officially announce they’re closing their facilities amidst the coronavirus pandemic. The team issued an official statement from owner Jeffrey Lurie:

“We have been closely monitoring developments related to the coronavirus (COVID-19) and taking actions recommended by the CDC, state and local health departments, our Chief Medical Officer and others.

In accordance with that guidance, and with the health and safety of our communities as a priority, the NovaCare Complex and Lincoln Financial Field will be closing tomorrow, March 13. Our staff, with limited exceptions, have been instructed to work from home.

We are continuing our preparations for the 2020 season, including free agency and the draft, and will monitor developments as more information becomes available. The health and safety of our community, players, employees, and fans will remain paramount as we continue to make decisions over the coming days and weeks.”

The Eagles originally pulled their coaching staff from traveling to pro day events yesterday on Wednesday, March 11. The MMQB’s Albert Breer reports that travel for the Eagles’ scouting staff has also now been suspended.

The NFL is currently still planning to begin the 2020 league year at 4:00 PM Eastern next Wednesday, March 18. We’ll see if that remains the case as other teams likely follow suit with the Eagles and close their own facilities.

UPDATE: In other news, the NFL officially cancelled their owner meetings scheduled for later this month. We would’ve heard from Lurie, Doug Pederson, and Howie Roseman during those meetings. Their availability has been pushed back to the spring meetings in May.