A lack of preseason games outright wouldn’t be the worst news in the world this summer for the Cincinnati Bengals.
But being unable to hold 11-on-11 activities during practice is a whole different conversation.
According to Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk, the NFLPA wants to curb activities that could increase the likelihood of spreading a virus, which includes 11-on-11s:
“Basically, the players are willing to accept that certain risks are inherent to playing football games in a pandemic. The goal is to find ways to minimize the risks during practices, allowing players to be prepared without putting them in a position that involves close proximity and exposure to respiratory droplets, sweat, saliva, blood, etc.”
Reduced group activities, especially later in the week ahead of gamedays, could lead to more accurate testing and less risk during games between teams.
While glorified exhibitions in the form of preseason games aren’t of the biggest importance, it’d be a potential setback for Joe Burrow’s development if he can’t get some 11-on-11 work in practice. On paper, this could mean his first real taste of grouped pro speed wouldn’t happen until the games start to matter.
As always though, these details are still the subject of negotiations between the NFL and NFLPA and subject to change. The Bengals also won’t be the only team dealing with this.
In the interim, it looks like the Bengals might have to trim the roster as negotiations ask for reduced roster sizes in camp. And key players like A.J. Green and Trae Waynes remain in limbo as talks continue.
