Lions players opt out of Voluntary Workouts

Due to COVID concerns, the Lions players collectively have notified the team they will not attend the voluntary workouts that were scheduled for next Monday. Michigan is having a lot of VOVID cases, so one can see the reason why it might be a good idea, although it will be disappointing for us and also less time for them to learn the new coaches and systems.

“With the voluntary workout period starting shortly and no acceptable resolution to our union’s negotiations with the NFL over comprehensive COVID-19 protocols, we will be exercising our CBA right to not attend voluntary workouts,” the statement said.

“We know our home state of Michigan continues to get hit hard by the pandemic and based on the continuing guidance of medical experts, it is in everyone’s best interest to play it safe again this offseason. Players on our team are proud to support other players across the league in making an informed decision about their heath and safety, guided by the facts and support from our union.”

The Lions are not the only team to have decided to make this announcement through the NFLPA. The Broncos, Seahawks, and Buccaneers all released similar statements this week.

The NFL is continuing to push for in-person workouts this offseason, hoping for a return to normalcy but with COVID protocols in place, including encouraging players and staff to get the vaccine. However, the NFLPA has [encouraged players through a letter to skip out of voluntary workouts due to spikes in COVID cases around the country and ongoing negotiations with the NFL.

It’s an unfortunate situation for the Lions, who during a normal offseason would have already started workouts because the NFL has rules that give teams with a new head coach an early start on the offseason. However, player safety and health comes first.

Yet another reason why deferring the 1st Rd picks to 2022 and 2023 was a wise decision.

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It’s a real concern considering we have all new coaches and schemes. Learning to play NFL football on zoom meetings is about as effective as learning to drive blindfolded.

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Yep. Vets aggressively pushed this agenda … makes it difficult for a rookie or cheap FA acquisition to dislodge them.

This will set a rebuilding team back for sure. Bad decision if you are hoping for wins this year.

Green Bay’s players will be reporting to facilities per usual.

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Packers players have more than $5M tied to workout bonuses, where the Lions have only $280K (Collins $200K, C Harris $50K and W Harris $30K).

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Meh. We need a good 2022 draft pick anyway. We’re on our way!

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Saw it as a write off year anyway. No blood, no foul.

I wish I could opt out of work because of the increasing covid cases in Michigan but instead my work has decided to put us on mandatory six days a week

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They opted out of the voluntary portion. So as long as you don’t show up on the 7th day, you have successfully opted out of the voluntary day.

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