With the coronavirus pandemic causing issues around the world, this is proving to be a very unique offseason for the NFL. While the league is still scheduled to start the regular season on time and play a full 16 games, the lead up to real football will be a little different from previous years.
In addition to the NFL discussing the possibility of a shortened preseason, the league has informed teams there will be no in-person minicamps this month. They will continue with their virtual offseason plans, however, according to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero and Ian Rapoport.
With the NFL allowing team facilities to reopen and coaching staffs to return, there was hope players would be next in line and traditional minicamps could potentially start. Though Baltimore Ravens players have been using homemade gyms to train and have been working out together, there’s little replacement for getting on the field at the Under Armour Performance Center with coaches. With the further loss of in-person minicamps, it seems as though training camp will be the next chance for players to return to team facilities.
The NFL sent a memo detailing the protocols for players to return, which points to the league gearing up for training camp. Currently, training camp is scheduled to start for the Ravens on July 28, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter. However, with little knowledge about the virus and the potential for another wave of infections, the NFL has been cautious and frequently noted that any dates and plans could change.
Baltimore is currently scheduled to kick off the regular season against the Cleveland Brown on Sept. 13.
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