Talks between owners and players to end the NFL lockout are on the fast track with a new labor agreement coming as soon as this week, according to various reports. Like any negotiation, each side is giving some concessions to get other things that they want.
NFL Lockout Talks Will Change Offseason, Training Camp Practice Schedule
For the players, they want more time and less hitting in the offseason in order to keep the game healthier and make their offseason lives less stressful. ESPN’s Chris Mortensen reports the owners are expected to concede several points regarding practice times.
-Offseason practices may not start until mid-April or later, according to the report. Previously they were allowed to start in March.
-The total number of offseason practices will be nine instead of 14. In addition to that, six of those nine practices will be without helmets.
-Two-a-days during training camp will effectively be eliminated. In their place, teams can run a post-practice walk-through but not another full-blown practice.
The players don’t want coaches running them ragged and using as much of their offseason time as possible. Because of the grind of the regular season, I think this is a fair request by the players.
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