Report: NFL won't allow on-field cheerleaders, mascots in 2020

The NFL sent updated COVID-19 game day protocols to teams announcing it won't allow cheerleaders and mascots on the field during the 2020 season, according to Tom Pelissero of NFL Network.

The league is also prohibiting other groups from accessing the field this season, including networks and sideline reporters, Pelissero adds.

The NFL's initial guidelines reportedly intended to forbid jersey exchanges between players. The updated instructions don't specifically prohibit postgame jersey swaps, but the exchanges between players still won't be allowed, a source told Pelissero.

The protocols apparently ban people with access to the field and bench area from sharing personal items.