Report: Sean Payton Told Saints Team Won't Have Offseason Program Amid COVID-19

New Orleans Saints head coach Sean Payton reportedly told players Wednesday the team won't hold an offseason program amid the coronavirus pandemic.

ESPN's Dianna Russini reported Payton said the decision will stand for both the NFL's virtual OTAs and any changes in the schedule.

He doesn't expect team-wide gatherings of any kind until the summer at the earliest:

Payton tested positive for COVID-19 in March and has since recovered from the disease.

The 56-year-old California native said during a March 25 appearance on WWL Radio (via ESPN's Mike Triplett):

"I'm doing well. I was cleared yesterday. It's been quite a process. You spend a lot of time trying to learn as much as you can about it. We're certainly seeing it on the news 24/7.

"So I've been fortunate. You stay inside like everyone's doing, and you find ways to pass the time. We had a competition committee meeting the other day on teleconference. But I'm feeling a lot better. And unfortunately, my appetite didn't dissipate at all during that time. You know, you watch a lot of Netflix, then you go on to Twitter, and you see everyone else is watching the same shows."

The NFL announced last week it reached an agreement with the Players Association on a virtual offseason program that could include "classroom instruction, workouts and non-football education programs" as team facilities remain closed because of the pandemic.

Although all in-person activities, including prospect meetings ahead of the 2020 NFL draft, have been canceled, the league has moved forward with the offseason to keep hope of starting the season on time in September alive if possible.

NFL commissioner Roger Goodell said Wednesday on ESPN's Get Up that public safety remains a "priority," but he added "we will be ready to play" if the situation allows:

Week 1 of the NFL season is scheduled for Sept. 10-14. Training camps typically open in mid-July.