Players from the Chicago Bears and Cleveland Browns joined players from a number of other NFL teams on Thursday to say they will not report to team facilities next week to begin voluntary off-season practice.
Players remain unclear about the [COVID-19] protocols and protections and rules remain inconsistent despite last-minute communication by the NFL [on Wednesday]”Bears players said in a statement from the NFLPA.” It is for these reasons that the majority of our locker rooms choose to exercise our right and not participate in in-person voluntary training to stay as safe as possible. ”
A release of Browns players said they “felt healthier mentally and physically” after a virtual low season in 2020. They attributed that to “adequate recovery time and the lack of extra wear and tear on our bodies during the spring months.
“… We are professionals who train all year round, wherever we spend off-season. As we proved last year, we will be ready to compete next season.”
The Denver Broncos, Seattle Seahawks and Tampa Bay Buccaneers announced their intention to skip practice on Tuesday, while the Detroit Lions and “some of us” from the New England Patriots joined them on Wednesday in making the decision.
Off-season programs will begin on April 19 in the league game, after which the daily tests for players and staff will begin, according to a memo sent to the teams on March 31. Players currently using the weight room at team facilities or being treated by the club’s medical staff must be tested at least every other day. Teams can test more if they want to, but that’s a minimum requirement.
On Wednesday, Lions players said in a statement from the NFLPA, “It’s in everyone’s interest to play it safe again this season” after “our union’s negotiations with the NFL over expanded COVID-19 were not an acceptable solution. protocols. “