Big Blue players won’t attend voluntary workouts

Giants players followed the lead of several other NFL teams, announcing Thursday that they will not attend in-person voluntary workouts, citing COVID-19 concerns. The offseason workout program is scheduled to begin on Monday.

So far, the Broncos, Seahawks, Patriots, Lions, Browns, Bears and Super Bowl-champion Buccaneers have all made public their intention to stay away from any in-person workouts this spring.

In a statement issued on behalf of the NFL Players Association, the Giants players said: “Our team is a strong, unified brotherhood of professionals who love the game of football and work year-round to perfect our craft. We also have to make the best decision to protect our health and safety, which is why players on our team are exercising our CBA right to not attend in-person voluntary workouts. We stand in solidarity with players across our league who are making informed decisions with the help of our union, both in light of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and what the data shows about the benefits to our overall health and safety.’’

Last year, the entire NFL conducted offseason programs remotely.

Veterans and established players will not be hurt by this, but young players, draft picks, undrafted rookies and those on the fringes of rosters could be affected by not getting the opportunity to make an impression at the team facility.

The NFL this week announced that Phase Three of its offseason program will contain 10 on-field voluntary practices and a three-day mandatory minicamp, running from May 24-June 18.