Carolina Panthers owner David Tepper joined the ranks of NFL executives showing optimism with respect to the potential of playing in front of fans by the start of the regular season.

The Panthers owner was rather vague in his assessment, though he did say he believed “some” fans could be in attendance, via Kevin Stankiewicz of CNBC.

“There should be some amount of fans in the stadiums, depending on what locale and where you are and what the local rules are,” Tepper said. “There could possibly be.”

He added that there should sufficient testing available by the time the season begins, with the goal of ensuring that players are “safe on the field.” Fans, apparently, would also be safe in the stands.

“You won’t be having full stadiums, but that doesn’t mean you can’t have some fans in the stadium either,” Tepper said.

Indeed, some markets might be better equipped to test and host fans by the time September rolls around. At the same time, owners such as Tepper might have a hard time assessing the proper number of fans allowed in stadiums.

Most league personnel seem to be against even entertaining the idea of playing without fans. New York Giants rookie head coach Joe Judge recently said “I don't think anyone” wants to play without a crowd.

However, the league might not have a ton of influence. Ultimately, state governors will determine the potential for allowing fans in stadiums. The outlook on that front is not as rosy, particularly considering California Gov. Gavin Newsom has all but eradicated the notion of full stadiums in 2020.

Many other governors are likely of the same opinion. What will the NFL do if some teams have the option to host games with fans, while others do not? Does it even matter?

These are just a couple of the important questions Commissioner Goodell and others will have to answer ahead of Week 1.