The NFLPA announced on Twitter Wednesday that many members of the New England Patriots will not be participating in the voluntary training programs this offseason. This decision by the players is a result of the league’s perceived lack of a plan to safely bring the team back while the world is still battling the COVID-19 pandemic.
New England is not the only organization to have its players make a similar decision. The NFLPA announced that the Denver Broncos, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Seattle Seahawks, and Detroit Lions all have players who are opting not to participate in offseason workouts.
A statement from the New England Patriots players: pic.twitter.com/1gl84knZrS
— NFLPA (@NFLPA) April 14, 2021
A normal offseason in the NFL brings nine weeks of work, including strength and conditioning and OTAs. However, due to COVID-19, last year’s offseason was held virtually over video conferencing programs. Training camp in July was the first time that players were allowed to report to facilities.
The NFLPA is pushing to have a similar schedule this offseason.
While it’s not exactly clear who the team will be missing this offseason, there will be some integral pieces of their roster who won’t be around Gillette Stadium unless they have to be.
