Vikings Players Say They Will Skip Team's Voluntary Offseason Workouts

The players of the Minnesota Vikings became the latest group to say most of them would be bypassing voluntary offseason workouts. 

In a statement released on behalf of those players by the NFL Players Association, they noted that "many of us have decided to exercise our right to not attend in-person, voluntary workouts." The Minnesota players added that "we understand that some players will go into the facility for different reasons, but feel strongly, as a unit, about putting our health and safety first."

Players from the Philadelphia Eagles, Baltimore Ravens, New Orleans Saints, Los Angeles Rams, Miami Dolphins, Pittsburgh Steelers, Las Vegas Raiders, New York Giants, Cleveland Browns, Detroit Lions, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Seattle Seahawks and Denver Broncos all previously released statements saying they collectively, as a team, would skip voluntary offseason workouts.

Players from the San Francisco 49ers, Miami Dolphins, New York Jets, Los Angeles Chargers, Atlanta Falcons, New England Patriots and Chicago Bears did not unanimously choose as a team to skip voluntary workouts but released statements saying they supported any players who did opt out of such in-person workouts.

Given the ongoing concerns of the COVID-19 pandemic, many NFL players are contending that a virtual offseason for non-mandatory workouts—much like the NFL implemented last season—makes more sense to repeat instead of in-person, voluntary workouts. 

Other announcements should follow for players from teams who haven't yet publicly made a decision. 

"Obviously it's virtual right now, so we still have a little time to think about it and figure out the best plan for us as a team," Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes told reporters Monday regarding the plan for Chiefs players. "We're in talks with the NFLPA, and we're trying to figure out what's best for not only us but for the entire league."

Phase 1 of the offseason program for NFL teams are virtual meetings that began Monday and run through May 14. Phase 2 is May 17-21 and includes on-field drills with coaches, followed by Phase 3 between May 2 and June 18 when teams can hold up to 10 days of organized team activities. All three phases are non-mandatory.