NFL commissioner Roger Goodell sends letter to fans

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell sent a letter to fans outlining the league's plans to play during the coronavirus pandemic.

As veterans begin reporting to training camps this week, Goodell noted Monday how COVID-19 has "turned the world upside down."

"COVID-19 will continue to present a major challenge to nearly every area of American life. Football is no exception," Goodell wrote.

"Every step of the way, our focus has been on the safety of players, coaches, personnel, fans and our communities. Our planning has followed the lead of medical experts and public health officials, including the CDC, the White House Task Force, governors and state health officials. As we have developed our 2020 playbook for the return of football, safety continues to be our first priority; that commitment will remain paramount as players return to the field."

Washington put quarterback Alex Smith on the physically unable to perform list on the eve of the start of training camp.

A physical showed Smith's right leg has medically recovered 20 months after he broke the fibula and tibia in it during a game. But the 36-year-old veteran hasn't been fully cleared for practices, contact or full football activity.

•Washington receiver Cody Latimer was placed on the commissioner's exempt list because of his arrest in May in a Denver suburb. Latimer is facing eight charges with four felonies, including assault with a deadly weapon.

Being placed on the list does not mean the players have tested positive for the coronavirus. It is possible for a player to be placed on the list because of potential exposure.

• Raheem Mostert will report to 49ers camp with a new deal, less than three weeks after his agent went public with a trade request.

Mostert's deal still runs through 2021, but he can double his salary this year and make close to $5 million in incentives and a $250,000 bonus. He's slated to earn $2.575 million in salary this year and $2.875 million next year.