Start without us: LA Rams players opting out of 2021 offseason program

As expected, the introduction of the various coronavirus vaccines has curtailed some of the greatest health concerns, but not all. And the LA Rams players, as well as the players of other NFL teams, are electing to opt-out of the optional team offseason activities. No fewer than 18 teams have made their choice public via the NFL Players’ Association Twitter account: @NFLPA.

What does this change? From 2020, not much. As we had indicated in an article published just a week ago, there are a host of threads dangling from the stitched-together rules that were hastily sewn together to make the 2020 NFL season possible. But with a rapidly changing and very dynamic situation, both the NFL and NFLPA limited their regulatory compromise to the 2020 NFL season.

Now, the 2021 NFL season is upon us, and the NFL and NFLPA must reforge a new and perhaps more permanent set of guidelines.  After all, the NFL and NFLPA proved that football can happen despite only a minimal amount of preparation.  And to be honest, few NFL players truly appreciate the preseason games anywhere close to the way the NFL and coaching staffs do.

Start without us

The LA Rams players announced their intentions as a group to remain home during voluntary practices and organized team activities.  After all, the NFL and NFLPA successfully negotiated no OTAs a year ago. Did anyone expect it would be easy to shove that genie back into the bottle?

With no OTAs, we run the risk of similar handicaps to teams with new head coaches, or a season game plan requiring the contribution of rookies.  And there are plenty of other matters to agree upon.

Much more to sort out where that came from

While the schedule currently plans for three preseason games, that may still be subject to negotiations. And the size of the NFL practice squad most certainly is. The number of players was increased from 12 to 16 due to the additional testing and wait time required to onboard players. This year, those onboarding procedures are likely to be reinstated, which will create a need for the increased number of practice squad players.

No OTAs will hurt the 23 players, drafted or not, projected to join the Rams roster who will be experiencing the NFL for their first time. They won’t get to visit the facility or work out with teammates for some time. One point in time is just a unique event. Two points in time form a trend. The NFL may be transforming a number of traditions before our very eyes.

In summary, the LA Rams players are telling the team “Start without us”. And of course, everyone knows that nothing happens without the players.