ROUNDING THE BASES NFL outlines rules for offseason program and minicamp

The NFL’S revised offseason program still includes a post-draft rookie minicamp, voluntary workouts and a mandatory minicamp next month despite the union’s objection to in-person activities due to COVID-19 concerns.

A memo obtained by The Associated Press that was sent to teams Wednesday outlined several changes to the offseason schedule that was agreed upon under the collective bargaining agreement last year.

The first phase of the offseason program was extended from two weeks to four from April 19 to May 14. Teams can hold up to two hours of activity at their facility, but on-field drills will not be permitted and all meetings must be held virtually. The second phase has been shortened from three weeks to one from May 17 to May 24. On-field drills will be permitted without contact but meetings will remain virtual.

The third phase remains four weeks and will run from May 24 to June 18. It includes 10 days of traditional OTAS at full speed without contact, and players are required to attend minicamp.

Demaurice Smith, executive director of the NFLPA, tweeted Tuesday: “We find ourselves still in the midst of a pandemic with no comprehensive plan to keep players as safe as possible, yet teams are pressuring players to attend voluntary workouts. The union has advised players that given the continued risk of exposure and the goal of a full 2021 NFL season, that they should not attend these voluntary workouts.”