The NFL’s offseason workout schedule was modified by the COVID pandemic and things continue to get tweaked around the league.
The Saints did not hold a traditional rookie mini-camp earlier this month, it was more of a player orientation. Head coach Sean Payton says that the focus of voluntary organized team activities that are going on now have been about getting the body ready, nothing to do with practicing.
“I think it's moved in a direction where we're spending a lot more time with them in the weight room, running, conditioning, and I'm a fan of that,” explained Payton. “We're going to, kind of continue that pattern, really all the way before the break this summer.”
Payton said that only 9 players were not currently taking part in OTAs, so 87% of the team is in the team’s building off of Airline Drive in Metairie. Payton made it clear again though that no on-field work is being done.
“We're not going to have a formal practice set up like that,” Payton said. “I really want them focusing more on the weights and not just the rookies, all those guys, you know, really working on getting their body weight to where they're supposed to be, getting the conditioning level, where it's supposed to be, all those things that can help them when training camp starts.”
100% of the team will have to be present soon as mandatory mini-camp opens next month on June 15th. But, will there be a return of traditional on-field practices then?