The NFL’s offseason workout schedule is beginning to take shape a year after the COVID-19 pandemic forced teams to conduct everything virtually.
Clubs can start Phase 1 of their Organized Team Activities (OTAs) on April 19, according to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero. That phase involves meetings between players and coaches. There are still a lot of details to be worked out between now and then, but it gives teams a framework to build on as they head into the 2021 season.
Typically, a team like the Jets, who just hired a new head coach, would have been able to begin this part of the offseason this week. But given the state of the pandemic and the uncertainty of the rest of the offseason schedule, it appears as though the NFL is leveling the playing field for all teams.
Pelissero went on to explain “there’s hope for practices this spring, even if meetings remain virtual indefinitely.” This is a stark difference from last year when all team facilities were closed until May 19 – well into the offseason and after the draft. It’s unclear if the preseason will happen, either, after the NFL canceled it last year, but NFL commissioner Roger Goodell did say he expects stadiums to open at full capacity for the 2021 season.