This spring, the New Orleans Saints will not be holding any type of team-led training or offseason program, virtual or otherwise, to get players ready for the season in the fall.
Head coach Sean Payton, who had COVID-19 but has been symptom-free for weeks, informed players they do not have to report to team headquarters until summer training camp — which has yet to be scheduled due to coronavirus. Speaking with more than 80 players via a video conference, Payton said the Saints will not have an offseason program in the spring even if restrictions are loosened and the NFL allows players to return to team facilities.
“No virtual workouts, no online meetings, no workouts at the facility, even if it’s allowed,” Payton was quoted as saying, according to ESPN. “Show up in July for training camp in the best shape of your life. Take care of your families, your health, and be ready this summer.”
Louisiana has had more than 25,000 diagnosed coronavirus cases and more than 1,470 people have died from the virus in the state. Saints general manager Mickey Loomis told The Associated Press the team will still conduct meetings with players online, but “virtual” drills requiring physical exertion would not be scheduled or held.
New Orleans is in a good position to take this sort of hands-off approach as the team has had the same quarterback for 14 years in Drew Brees and has been using Payton’s offensive system since 2006 when he took over as coach.
“It is a bit of an advantage if you have the same coaching staff, you haven’t had a lot of changes on your coaching staff, you have a core group of players that are the same and a system that we’ve had here for 14 years,” Loomis said. “I probably would feel a little differently if we did have a lot of changes on our roster and our coaching staff, but we’re fortunate that we don’t.”
Subscribe here for our free daily newsletter.
Whether you’re looking to get into shape, or just get out of a funk, The Charge has got you covered. Sign up for our new wellness newsletter today.
