Last year at this time the Eagles were taking part in their usual schedule of OTAs and minicamps.
This year, like everyone else, they are spending their time at home due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The uncertainty surrounding the outbreak has all sports fans wondering what the upcoming NFL season could look like, and whether there will indeed be games come September.
On Thursday, Eagles center Jason Kelce spoke to the media, and the 10-year veteran gave some great insight on not only how the virtual offseason is going, but on when he would feel comfortable going back to work in a crowded locker room that, in training camp, would have as many as 90 players in it.
Kelce's answer, in full:
"Right now, the NFL has kind of given stipends to guys to get gym equipment at their houses. It's a very small stipend but it's something that is enough to where, partnered with the strength coaches and whatnot, we've facilitated a way for everybody to be able to get the workout and the physical preparation necessary. So that's the physical aspect of it.
The mental aspect of it, we are getting great work online with virtual meetings and all that stuff. To be honest, that's more beneficial for a lot of the young guys and the rookies and whatnot, but that's a big part for those guys that haven't played a lot, is just getting those mental reps, seeing tape, seeing how to process things, what you're looking for and being disciplined with your eyes, and all that stuff.
What we are going to miss for sure is little technique things on the field which I think we'll still be able to get in training camp. I don't think we're going to miss it too much if I'm being honest and maybe that's just because I'm an older guy and I've done it so many times. There is no doubt younger guys get more from that than a lot of the older guys. But I've still got to keep up on my craft as well, so when all that resumes, we'll see.
It is hard to say with the 90 guys in the locker room. It is hard to say on a season. I'll feel comfortable no matter what the NFL decides to do, to be honest with you. I believe that at the end of the day if the NFL is allowing 90 guys in a locker room it is going to be in a safe and controlled environment, in my opinion. I don't think this is going to happen unless that is doable. So whether that is testing guys before they come into the building and the testing procedures improve, whether that's statistically, new cases are so low at that point that there's not a big threat of 90 guys going into a locker room. I think there's a multiplicity of different factors and things that can shake out over the next few months, especially before the season. I don't think we'll be back at work next to each other, and I don't think we'll be back at work playing and doing games and stuff like that unless the NFL is fully confident that it can be done in a safe manner. So I'll feel comfortable the moment they give the green light."
The NFL appears to be preparing for the 2020 season to begin on time, as they recently released their schedule as normal, and didn't seem to have any precautions built in there incase games can't be played come September.
Prior to the games, however, the NFL will have to decide what to do about training camp, which normally starts in late July. In addition, the Eagles are currently slated to play four preseason games, all during the month of August.
What ends up happening remains to be seen, but it seems like when the NFL decides it is time to play, the Eagles' All-Pro center will trust it is safe enough to return to work.
You can reach Eliot Shorr-Parks on Twitter at @EliotShorrParks or email him at esp@94wip.com!
