Some Pats passing on team OTAs
Union pushing players not to attend voluntary activities amid pandemic
The NFLPA released a statement Wednesday on behalf of Patriots announcing many players will be exercising their right to not attend voluntary workouts this offseason as a show of solidarity with other players around the league.
Other teams, starting with the Broncos, Buccaneers and Seahawks, have already announced their decision to miss organized team activities (OTAs) this spring.
The Patriots will open offseason workouts on Monday. But with the threat of COVID-19, certain players will be working out on their own, per the NFLPA’s statement. All of this comes at the urging of the union, which has advised players to skip voluntary sessions.
It’s likely some players will still attend workouts. Special teams veteran Brandon King recently said in an interview with The Boston Globe “if Bill (Belichick) tells me to report, I’m reporting.”
The NFL has divided its offseason program into three phases.
The first will run from Monday through May 14, involving only virtual meetings and limited time for players in the team’s facility and weight room. The second phase will open May 17 and last one week, with virtual meetings and non-contact field drills. Once the third phase kicks off on May 24, teams can hold traditional full-speed OTAs with no contact, in-person meetings and a mandatory minicamp over a four-week period ending June 18.
Teams are required to make every effort to have COVID-19 vaccines available to players, staff and their families during the first phase. The league’s COVID-19 protocols will remain in place, with daily testing and mandatory vaccinations for support staff.