We don’t know what the next two weeks of OTAs will look like for the Cleveland Browns.
And nobody is quite sure how many players will ultimately participate.
But we do know at least one high-profile veteran will be on the field.
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Myles Garrett posted a photo of himself boarding a private plane with his dog this weekend.
In the caption, he told readers to “Tell Stefanski, we on the way!”
There has not been an announcement from either the players or the team.
But hopefully, “we” means a whole lot of teammates, and not just Garrett and the dog.
OTAs already started, but with a relatively small group of players, limiting its effectiveness.
Word Of The Day: FOCUSED 🔒 pic.twitter.com/iAdy6QVLw8
— Cleveland Browns (@Browns) May 25, 2021
This is over a month after the Browns joined 20 teams in announcing their intentions to skip OTAs.
With the encouragement of NFLPA president JC Tretter, players cited injury and Covid concerns.
After being forced to limit offseason work to virtual meetings in 2020, the league saw a sharp reduction in injuries.
Tretter went further, asserting that players report feeling mentally and physically better after the season.
Garrett’s return could indicate the team has agreed to lessen the physicality or field time over the next two weeks.
The Argument For Modified Offseason Sessions
With a recent emphasis on concussions in the NFL, it is surprising offseason contact was not previously curtailed.
But now armed with injury data comparing the virtual offseason to the previous 5 years, the NFLPA spoke up.
Tretter wrote on the union website:
“Over the past five years, the average number of missed-time injuries annually for all NFL teams was 3,524. For the 2020 season, the number of missed time injuries decreased to 2,716. …If we’ve identified strategies for reducing concussions by 30% and it doesn’t involve modifying game rules, it would be reckless NOT to implement those changes.”
It is hard to argue with those numbers at face value.
But the league also saw closer games and no discernible trail off in the quality of play despite the missed field time.
And if the point of OTAs is to assure players stay in shape, that is an old-fashioned notion.
ICYMI – We captured the rookies on the practice field for the first time! Watch NOW!! 📺 https://t.co/zWEGNQADTR pic.twitter.com/qNN7xJS2Uf
— Cleveland Browns (@Browns) May 25, 2021
Every player has an offseason regimen with the latest in fitness gear readily available.
The notion of staying in “hitting shape” has long been discredited.
And across many sports, the benefits of extended rest between seasons have been demonstrated.
Players can learn a new system with quick-paced, but practically contactless practices.
Why Players Want To Get Back To Practice
Garrett’s post is a welcome sight to the Browns’ coaches and fans.
But most players are anxious to return, too.
Cleveland did a good job inserting new systems in 2020’s Covid-mandated virtual offseason.
But a big chunk of their competition is on the practice field already.
And nobody wants to give an advantage away.
The only place where success comes before work is in the dictionary. 📖 😉
What's your favorite all-time Browns moment❓ pic.twitter.com/JQy5gFdsXC
— Cleveland Browns (@Browns) May 20, 2021
There are players who need to show they can pick up Stefanski’s system as they compete for roster spots.
And there are others defending a roster spot who want to be seen as focused and dedicated.
The midseason work with trainers helps players focus on long-term health and conditioning.
And of course, this is a team sport, and any chance to be together is beneficial.
Judging from the smile and tone of Garrett’s post, he is ready to see everyone in Berea.
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