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Goodell: NBA-style postseason bubble unlikely

Maddie Meyer / Getty Images Sport / Getty

NFL commissioner Roger Goodell doesn't envision the league utilizing a single-location playoff bubble for the upcoming postseason.

"We don't see the bubble, as most refer to it, in one location. We feel strongly our protocols are working," Goodell said, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. "We're willing to adjust and adapt those protocols, take additional steps. But I don't see us doing the bubble in the sense that the media focuses on it."

However, Goodell said every available option is "on the table" for the playoffs, according to The Athletic's Lindsay Jones.

"We may look at different ways to reduce the risk of personnel that would limit exposure to others," Goodell added, per Aaron Wilson of The Houston Chronicle.

The idea of an NBA-style playoff bubble has been floated around in recent weeks as the NFL has navigated through multiple COVID-19 outbreaks. The Tennessee Titans and Baltimore Ravens have experienced multiple postponements due to an increase in positive cases.

However, the league hasn't canceled a single game this season. Goodell said it has been a "remarkable achievement to reach this point," according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.

The NFL has disciplined a few clubs due to COVID-19 violations, and it's heightened protocols due to an increase in cases, but Goodell believes the league will be able to finish the 2020 campaign.

"It will take partnership and discipline to complete this season. I'm confident we'll be able to do it," Goodell said, according to Schefter.

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