The NFL has decided teams must remain home for training camp this summer in response to the coronavirus pandemic.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported the mandate. That’s major news for teams that like to travel out of state for training camp or hold joint practices going into the preseason — though not as big of a development for a team like the Cincinnati Bengals.
A year ago, the Bengals traveled to Welcome Stadium in Dayton and helped the league honor its 100th season. But that trip ended in disaster, with A.J. Green suffering an injury that would hold him out the entire season as members of the team blasted the turf condition.
In other words, the Bengals sticking at home isn’t the worst development. And according to ESPN’s Ben Baby, the coaching staff seems to think that’s the first time players will be permitted back:
The big negative here is the sheer circumstance of this being the offseason the Bengals get a new passer under center. Unless Joe Burrow manages to get his wideouts together for a workout — he’s trying — he won’t get any live reps with them until right before the preseason.
While not ideal, each team will have to overcome these hurdles in some fashion and Burrow’s proven plenty capable already.
