South Florida Sun-Sentinel Palm Beach (Sunday)
Players plan to skip voluntary workouts
The Miami Dolphins joined a growing list of NFL teams deciding to skip voluntary in-person offseason workouts beginning next week due to COVID-19 and other health and safety reasons.
Dolphins players released a statement late Friday through the NFL’s Player Association, which read:
“Our team came together to discuss the current situation regarding COVID-19 and the lack of clear and timely protocols put into place by the NFL. The most significant fact from that discussion was the health and safety benefits of a fully virtual offseason. Last year, league-wide injury data showed players experienced a 23% reduction in missed time,” the statement said.
“For these reasons, the Miami Dolphins stand in solidarity with players across the league who are making informed decisions to exercise their right to not attend voluntary in-person workouts this offseason. We will hold each other accountable in making sure every player is getting their work in. Fins Up!”
The Dolphins joined players from at least 15 other teams to bypass offseason workouts, slated to begin Monday. Instead, the teams will revert to virtual meetings like last year when the coronavirus pandemic was at its height.
While NFL teams would prefer for players to meet and conduct football workouts during the spring, NFL players largely prefer maintaining their health during the offseason to be better prepared for the upcoming season.
NFL players also hope their decision could lead to a permanent change in the future regarding their offseason program.
The NFL and its players’ association have also yet to come to terms on uniform protocols for COVID-19 testing and vaccinations for players and team personnel this offseason.
Along with the Dolphins, the Chicago Bears, Cleveland Browns, Los Angeles Chargers, Atlanta Falcons, New York Giants, New York Jets, Las Vegas Raiders, Denver Broncos, Seattle Seahawks, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Detroit Lions, New England Patriots, Pittsburgh Steelers and Los Angeles Rams will skip voluntary workouts.