NFL joint practices are one of the most interesting parts of the offseason. After they were prohibited in 2020 due to Covid, they are most important than ever.
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Earlier this year, the league announced that the regular season would be expanded to 17 games: the NFL’s biggest ever season. To accommodate the extra game, the preseason has been cut from 4 games to 3.
On top of this, the coronavirus has once again affected certain aspects of the offseason, specifically voluntary activities like OTAs. Of course, minicamp and training camp will go ahead as normal, but coaches undoubtedly have a harder job preparing their team for the season.
This is why the return of joint practices are good news for NFL teams. Plus, one can hope for another iconic moment like DeAndre Hopkins snatching a trash talking DeAngelo Hall’s ankles back in 2015.
Which NFL Teams Will Have Joint Practices in 2021?
Today, 9news reported that the Broncos and Vikings are finalizing plans to hold a joint practice in August. The 2 teams play their first preseason game against each other on August 14th and US Bank Stadium. The practices would likely be held in the week leading up to game, at the Vikings’ training facility in Eagan.
Earlier, other teams also confirmed their plans to hold joint practices. Rams HC Sean McCoy, a fan of joint practices, said the team would train with the Cowboys and the Raiders at some point in the offseason.
The Buccaneers and Titans also have tentative plans to work together. They have already done it in 2018, and Tom Brady and Tennessee HC Mike Vrabel have a unique relationship, going back to their time as teammates in Boston.
Other teams are likely to announce joint practices over the next month or so. The Patriots have plans to work with the Eagles and Giants, 2 NFC East teams who they’ve played twice each in the Super Bowl.
In contrast, Lions head coach Dan Campbell expects his team to practice alone this year. “I actually did reach out to some coaches, and I’ll be honest with you, I got in on it a little bit late,” he said.
“So, a number of the coaches that I called had already had things set up. So, we struck out on that. I think it’ll probably be just us. We’ll be competing against each other for those four weeks of camp.”
