It had to start somewhere, and for the Giants, opening up their practice and training facility on Wednesday was that start.
This was not a full-scale opening, as only 15-20 team employees entered the building – for the first time in almost three months during the COVID-19 pandemic. General manager Dave Gettleman and members of his football administration staff were among those back in the building. Co-owner John Mara returned to his office and a small number of business, operations and medical staff were back on site. No coaches are allowed in yet.
The number of employees allowed to enter the facility will increase in the coming weeks. For now, those who can continue to work remotely will do so.
In mid-May, NFL commissioner Roger Goodell told all 32 teams they could reopen their facilities beginning May 19 “if they are permitted to do so under governing state and local regulations.’’ New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy last week said professional teams could open, as long as “their leagues choose to move in that direction.’’ Murphy added his office had been in “constant discussions with teams about necessary protocols to protect the health and safety of players, coaches and personnel.”
Submit your Giants questions here to be answered in an upcoming Post mailbag
The Giants were supposed to have a mandatory mini-camp June 9-11 to end their off-season program, but that mini-camp will not take place. Players and coaches are working remotely and are not expected to be able to enter the team facility until the start of training camp, which is tentatively scheduled for July 29.