Tretter calls for reduction in offseason programs
NFL Players Association President JC Tretter is calling for the significant reductions in offseason work forced by the pandemic to continue in the future.
The Cleveland Browns center posted his thoughts on the union’s website Thursday. He cited changes in the collective bargaining agreement reached early in 2020, and the subsequent COVID-19 alterations.
“This year has brought less time at practice than ever before. We had no offseason practices, fewer training camp practices and no preseason games,” Tretter said. “While some feared that those changes would lead to a sloppy 2020 NFL season, our collective level of play across the league has actually never been higher.”
Tretter emphasized the need to reduce all offseason programs, including organized team activities and mandatory minicamps.
Browns’ COVID-19 concerns grow: The Cleveland Browns closed their facility and delayed practice for the second straight day after two more players tested positive with the virus. The team’s latest COVID situation has further impacted the Browns’ ability to prepare for Sunday’s game against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
A win will put the Browns in the playoffs for the first time since 2002.
Dolphins’ Fitzpatrick tests positive: Any debate about who should start for the Miami Dolphins this week at quarterback ended Thursday with Ryan Fitzpatrick’s positive test for COVID-19.
Coach Brian Flores had already said rookie Tua Tagovailoa will start Sunday, to the consternation of Miami fans who prefer Fitzpatrick. The 38-year-old replaced Tagovailoa last week in the fourth quarter and orchestrated an improbable comeback win at Las Vegas.