Saints' Sean Payton Won't Be Surprised If COVID-19 Outbreak Suspends NFL Games

As NFL teams open training camp this week, there's still a lingering question about whether or not the league will be able to play the 2020 regular season without interruption because of the coronavirus pandemic. 

On Wednesday, New Orleans Saints head coach Sean Payton told reporters it wouldn't surprise him if a COVID-19 outbreak forces the league to suspend games at some point. 

Major League Baseball has had to adjust its schedule because of a COVID-19 outbreak within the Miami Marlins. 

The team's games through Sunday have been postponed. The Philadelphia Phillies, who hosted Miami for a three-game series over the weekend, won't play again until Saturday. 

Per USA Today's Jarrett Bell, the NFL is currently going over "several markers that could force postponing games, entire weeks or even suspending the season."

Bell noted that some of the markers for postponement being discussed by the league could involve an entire position group being unavailable because of an outbreak or if at least 10 games in any given week can't be played and would be rescheduled. 

One potential scenario that could force the season to be suspended is if "six or more clubs cannot play for multiple weeks."

The NFL and NFL Players Association have agreed to an amended collective bargaining agreement that allows for players to opt out of the 2020 season and no preseason games. 

In a letter written to fans, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell expressed the shared hope between the league and players of "playing a healthy and complete 2020 season" but also acknowledged that "adaptability and flexibility will be needed for the foreseeable future."

The regular season is scheduled to begin Sept. 10 when the Houston Texans take on the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium.