Ask and you shall receive.
According to multiple reports, the NFL has offered the players association a deal that would do away with all preseason games in 2020. This announcement came just days after players around the league voiced their opposition to a lack of safety protocols enforced with the training camp just around the corner. Players also have been adamant about avoiding the preseason for safety reasons, and it looks like they will get their wish.
The league’s proposal also includes a longer acclimation period during training camp. COVID testing will also be conducted daily for at least the first two weeks of training camp, per the new testing protocols.
The league is still waiting to see if the NFLPA will accept their proposal, but there is some indication that they will.
Barring any significant changes, Green Bay Packers rookies will report Thursday, July 23 to undergo initial COVID testing. When the remaining players will report to Green Bay remains up in the air.
With some certainty, we now know with the new proposal fans who were hoping to see rookies in action this summer will have to wait until the regular season. That also means fewer opportunities for veterans to prepare for a grueling season.
The Packers rookie class includes heavily anticipated debuts from quarterback Jordan Love and running back AJ Dillon. However, it could be a while before fans see them in action. It could especially long for Love who is expected to be the backup to Aaron Rodgers.
Green Bay is entering unchartered territory when it comes to roster construction as preseason games usually serve a vital role in deciding who makes the final 53-man roster. It’s also unknown how a lack of game reps usually occurring in August will affect their play at the start of the season.
This year, practice reps will be of utmost importance for players and coaches doing scouting.
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Brandon Carwile was a Cheesehead at birth. His dad grew up attending games at Lambeau and passed on the legacy. He has covered the Packers for over five years and currently works with packerstalk.com. Find him on twitter at @PackerScribe.
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