The ongoing coronavirus pandemic has claimed another yearly NFL rite of passage. There will be no mandatory team minicamps this summer. The league announced the move on Thursday in a letter to all teams.
Form the memo distributed to all 32 clubs 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.”
The memo then laid out what alternate plans are in place for the elimination of the minicamps, which typically take place in the middle of June.
“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 Lions have yet to indicate if they will extend their ongoing virtual offseason to the end of the permissible time. No word on training camp yet, either.