NFL Extends Virtual Offseason, No Minicamps

According to Tom Pelissero, the NFL has notified teams that there will be no in-person minicamps this month. 

Pelissero adds the virtual period for offseason work will be extended up until June 26. While some teams have already closed their virtual work, this gives the option for others to continue until that date. 

The NFL had discussed the possibility of potentially opening team facilities in time for players to return to the field this month. Coaching staffs have begun to return to their buildings in the past week, though others have remained away. 

However, there wasn’t a strong desire by teams to get players back onto the field given the ongoing pandemic and the potential risk for injury from rushing back. It appears players won’t be required to return until training camp. 

The NFL and NFLPA have been discussing the possibility of shortening the preseason to two games as the two sides navigate a return to the field while managing the threat of COVID-19. 

Given the lack of on-field OTAs, this would allow for a longer ramp-up period for teams after they report to training camp. It also would allow players to potentially report at the same time as usual without giving up the collectively bargained time off.

The NFL and NFLPA have also discussed the possibility of certain players such as rookies and veterans who changed teams this offseason and need physicals returning to facilities on a limited basis before June 26. 

We’ll have more regarding the NFL’s plans for the 2020 season as the news is available.