The 2020 NFL season is on schedule to begin for the Las Vegas Raiders at the end of this month. Amidst a pandemic, this will continue to be a unique offseason.
Anything can happen within the next couple of months with Covid-19 news and developments happening on a daily basis. As far as Raider Nation’s concerned, NFL teams, including the Raiders, will start their training camps on July 28th. Having already packed their relocation bags, the Silver and Black will start their offseason program at their new state-of-the-art Intermountain Healthcare Performance Center.
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The Show Must Go On
Even with business moving forward, the NFLPA is doing its due-diligence with player safety in mind. The player’s union president, Browns’ center JC Tretter, elaborated on that notion via their website. “Our main concern is player safety, both in regard to preventing the virus’ transmission as well as preventing injuries after an extended and historically unique layoff.” That “unique layoff” forced NFL teams to adjust. The Raiders were no exception, with much of the offseason conducted through virtual means like Zoom.
“We will continue to hold the NFL accountable and demand that the league use data, science, and the recommendations of its own medical experts to make decisions. It has been clear for months that we need to find a way to fit football inside the world of coronavirus. Making decisions outside that lens is both dangerous and irresponsible.”
It will be interesting to see how all NFL teams adjust to what will certainly be an abundance of precautions. The loss of two preseason games, combined with the looming restrictions, will probably hinder the Raiders offseason preparation. With no offseason camps or anything remote to live football simulation, except for workouts at a local Las Vegas Park, sloppy football is all but assured. Nevertheless, it’ll be intriguing to see how Raiders head coach Jon Gruden navigates this while preparing for the team’s inaugural season in Las Vegas.
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*Top Photo: Trevor Ruszkowski/USA Today Sports