The ongoing coronavirus pandemic has claimed another yearly NFL tradition. There will be no mandatory team minicamps this summer. The league announced the move on Thursday in a memo to all teams.
The letter was sent by NFL commissioner Roger Goodell:
“Although under a traditional schedule, mandatory minicamps are scheduled to open next week, after discussion with the CEC, we have concluded that it would be prudent not to hold in-person minicamps under the current circumstances and have instead determined to extend the Virtual Period through and including June 26. We will continue working with the NFLPA to conclude the remaining protocols and finalize arrangements for the safe opening of training camps next month.”
There was previously a report that indicated that minicamps could be potentially held in June when coaches returned to facilities. While coaches are currently allowed back, the players are not, so minicamp is gone.
In addition to cancelling minicamp, the league outlined some guidelines for teams potentially continuing their virtual offseason:
“Clubs have the option to continue their virtual offseason programs through June 26 or discontinue them after this week. All offseason workout programs must conclude by June 26.’’
The Bills have yet to say if they will extend their ongoing virtual offseason to the end of the permissible time. No word on training camp yet, either. Buffalo’s coaching staff and Sean McDermott was reportedly going to return to Orchard Park at “some point” this week.
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