The San Francisco 49ers, along with other NFL teams, kicked off their offseason programs following the draft. It's a very different offseason program, though, compared to past years. It is being conducted virtually via video chat tools like Zoom.
While the 49ers have had at least one meeting with every player, coach, and some executives like general manager John Lynch, the virtual offseason has mostly consisted of position-group video chat sessions led by the assistant coaches.
All of this, as you know, is due to continued concerns surrounding the coronavirus pandemic. While some states have started the process of reopening businesses and resources, other areas continue to be more cautious. That includes Bay Area counties, which impacts the 49ers.
The initial plan was to continue conducting the offseason virtually through this Friday, May 15. The NFL extended that date through (at least) the end of the month, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN.
NFL informed teams today that its virtual offseason now will be extended through end of May, per source. Initially, the virtual offseason went through May 15th, now through end of May.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) May 13, 2020
Most doubt that the NFL will be able to kick off the regular season in September, as scheduled, with fans in stadiums. Bay Area officials are skeptical that sports will be allowed in the area before Thanksgiving, at the earliest. That has left the 49ers to investigate the possibility of holding their training camp outside of California.
There is even the idea that the California-based NFL teams—the 49ers, and Los Angeles Rams and Chargers—might hold their home games outside of the state.
Uncertainty continues to surround the NFL offseason and will likely impact the regular season too.