NFL, union prepare for virtual offseason workouts

The NFL and NFL Players Association agreed on the format for a “virtual offseason” during coronavirus stay-home orders Monday, giving teams ways to teach players and monitor their workouts until it’s deemed safe for them to return to their facilities.

That will be a long time from now — the league specified that no team is allowed to return to its facility for on-field work until all 32 buildings are cleared to reopen by their local government agencies.

Virtual offseason sessions can start April 20 — but no later than April 27 — and run three weeks.

Teams can use Skype, Zoom or other platforms to teach in a classroom setting. Virtual offseason sessions are voluntary, though if facilities stay closed, teams will be able to hold a mandatory veteran minicamp online in June.