05-16-2021, 04:41 PM
Mike Zimmer expecting good attendance from Vikings veterans for voluntary workoutsLast month, the Vikings were among the NFL teams to say many players would not be at in-person workouts because of the threat of COVID-19.
Vikings coach Mike Zimmer is expecting a good turnout from the Purple when the NFL's offseason program moves into Phase 2 with on-field instruction starting Monday.
"It's voluntary, so guys, if they don't show up, they don't show up," Zimmer said Saturday during rookie minicamp. "But I don't think that's going to be the case. The communication that I've had and heard through the guys, I think they like being here, they like being around each other, they like coming to work and trying to get better. But if they don't show up, we coach the guys who are here. That's what we do."
Before Phase 1 began last month, Vikings players joined peers from 19 other teams when they released a statement through the NFL Players Association saying many of them would not attend in-person, voluntary workouts. They cited "the ongoing threat of COVID-19 and the inadequate safety procedures recommended by the NFL" as the reason.
Phase 1, which was extended from two weeks to four, included strength and conditioning, virtual meetings and physical rehabilitation only. The Vikings told players it was OK for them to do Phase 1 virtually. Some, but not a lot, showed up.
Phase 2 has been shortened from three weeks to one. It includes on-field individual instruction, drills and plays conducted with offensive players lining up across from offensive players and defensive players lining up across from defensive players. No contact is allowed.
Phase 3 begins May 24 and runs through June 18. A total of 10 days of organized team activities are allowed. No live contact is permitted, but 7-on-7, 9-on-7 and 11-on-11 drills are allowed.
https://www.startribune.com/mike-zimmer-...600057735/
