Democracy Dies in Darkness

NFL is testing face masks that contain surgical or N95 material

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Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes grabs the face mask of New England Patriots linebacker Kyle Van Noy during a game in December. (Elise Amendola/AP)

When the NFL starts up, the novel coronavirus pandemic is going to dictate changes. One such change could be the addition of surgical or N95 material to the face masks on players’ helmets.

The NFL and sports equipment company Oakley are testing prototypes, and Thom Mayer, the NFL Players Association’s medical director, said “there will probably be a recommendation” to use modified masks.