Organized Team Activities (OTAs) have been a topic of conversation in the NFL as not navigates through the final stages of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. The Los Angeles Rams were among the teams that initially opted out of taking part in the workouts due to the risks involved.
Fortunately, the Rams have since welcomed their players to the facility for Phase Two of the offseason program. This portion usually consists of on-field work with no contact taking place.
Despite getting back to practice, teams have taken extra precautions to help ensure the safety of their players. It appears even the Rams have compromised on their plan for the remainder of OTA’s.
According to Albert Breer of the MMQB, the team agreed to limit their 11-on-11 work to a jog-through pace:
And I'll add to this that the Rams have agreed with players to hold all their spring 11-on-11 work at a "jog-through" pace. Other teams (Jets, Giants, Panthers, Bears) had no such agreements, but players did come out.
As you can see, most measures are to protect players' health. https://t.co/9SbA082JLO
— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) May 18, 2021
The decision likely comes at the request of players hoping to limit the risks involved leading up to the 2021 NFL season. Many teams found their own recipes for success last offseason and they now intend to carry some of these elements over into this year’s training camp.
As of right now, the current offseason program is voluntary and players are not obligated to attend until mandatory minicamp begins in June. Regardless, it is clear that some players in L.A. could not wait to get back to work in preparation for a new year.
This led to quite a moment for defensive tackle Bobby Brown after his meeting with the reigning Defensive Player of the Year Aaron Donald was caught on camera. These experiences should help pay some major dividends for some of the new arrivals to the team.
It is no secret that expectations are higher than ever for the Rams following their blockbuster acquisition of Matthew Stafford this offseason. They are now doing what they can to limit any chances of a potential setback leading up to the regular season.
