So far, the NFL has been largely unaffected by the COVID-19 pandemic because it’s the only major sport not currently in-season.
And while there is a growing concern within the league’s teams that the season will inevitably be delayed, publicly, the NFL is insisting that the season will start on time.
According to Jeff Pash, the NFL’s general counsel, “All of our discussions, all of our focus, has been on a normal, traditional season starting on time, playing in front of fans in our regular stadiums.”
The regular season is currently scheduled to kickoff on Thursday, Sept. 10.
Last month, the NFL announced that offseason workouts will be delayed indefinitely. Offseason workout programs — for teams with returning head coaches like the Steelers — were due to start April 20. Rookie minicamps and organized team activities typically start in May, with mandatory minicamps in June.
From coaching players on new schemes to studying and implementing new playbooks, the impact of abbreviated or non-existent team workouts would be far-reaching.
ESPN recently highlighted a player from each team that would be affected most by the unprecedented offseason schedule. For the Steelers, ESPN chose backup quarterback, Mason Rudolph.
With Ben Roethlisberger still rehabbing his elbow, Rudolph was slated to get the majority of the first-team reps in the offseason programs. It’s not only a chance for him to show his progress after his own offseason surgery to repair his shoulder, but it would also be a chance for him to work with new QBs coach Matt Canada. The Steelers didn’t have a dedicated quarterbacks coach last season, and it showed when two young players had to take over for Roethlisberger. The organization has expressed confidence in Rudolph as the No. 2, and guidance from Canada would give Rudolph a chance to develop further and show more of his potential.
I don’t disagree that, individually, Rudolph is the player who needs all the development time he can get. At least he’s had professional playing time, though. It’s obvious that incoming rookies, as a whole, will be most at a disadvantage should there be no offseason workouts.
