NFL will not allow on-field workouts until all team facilities open
The NFL has offered guidance on offseason programs, and it will likely be a while before any on-field work takes place.
The NFL and NFLPA agreed to allow a “virtual period” beginning April 20 that will run no later than May 15. In-person on-field workouts, however, will not be allowed until all 32 team facilities can be opened again.
The NFL and NFLPA have reached agreement on a voluntary offseason program for 2020, starting next Monday, April 20, per sources. The “virtual period” can begin next Monday, April 20, but — this is key — no on-field work until all 32 club facilities can reopen.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) April 13, 2020
Key language there: Club facilities will only open in accordance with NFL protocols and federal, state and local rules and regulations. If one or more club facilities must remain closed for any period of time, *all* club facilities must remain closed during that period.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) April 13, 2020
Each team gets three consecutive weeks of “virtual period” work (classroom instruction, workouts, and non-football educational programs using Skype, etc.) plus an extra voluntary veteran minicamp for new coaches.”Virtual period” ends no later than May 15.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) April 13, 2020
Essentially, this means as long as a team in one state remains on lockdown, every other one will as well. It’s understandable, as some teams having access to their facilities with the ability to work out together while others do not would be very unfair.
Some inside the game don’t think there will be any in-person workouts until training camp. This directive certainly increases the chances of that proving true.
