The Cleveland Browns will open training camp today, but full practice activities will not take place for a while yet. COVID-19 has created an environment that will be very different from years past. The initial start of camp will be very different as the first day will require testing first and foremost, then virtual meetings will take place. The players won’t hit the field until the middle of August.
Training Camp Schedule
First, let’s take a look at what the Cleveland Browns training camp will look like based on a memo obtained by Tom Pelissero of the NFL Network.
July 28-31: COVID-19 testing and virtual meetings
Days:
- 1: COVID-19 testing
- 2: COVID-19 testing
- 3: No testing
- 4: COVID-19 testing
August 1-2: Physicals and equipment distribution
August 3-11: Acclimation period
This period will include:
- 60-minute weight room and 60-minute on-field conditioning
- Total strength and conditioning with small groups of 15 or less capped at 120 total minutes
- No conditioning tests
- Only Strength and Conditioning coaches
- QBs, receivers, punters, kickers and long snappers permitted to use footballs
- Walk-Thrus permitted up to 60 minutes on the first four days and 75 minutes on the last four days
- August 8th: Off
August 12-16: Gradual ramp-up period
- Maximum of 3.5 hours of on-field activities
- First practice starts at 90 minutes with a maximum 15-minute increase
- The remainder of the 3.5-hour window is limited to walk-thrus
- Helmets and approved protective shirts permitted on Aug. 12 and 13.
- August 14 and 16: Non-padded practices. Helmets and shells permitted.
- August 15th: Off
August 17-September 6: Contact integration period (practice)
- A maximum of 14 padded practices permitted
- First practice starts at 90 minutes with a maximum 15-minute increase
- No increase or decrease in practice duration following an off day
- Daily time limits determined by CBA
Things will undoubtedly be different this season. Even with the changes to training camp and no preseason, the Browns must find answers at right guard, safety, and linebacker. That task will fall on Kevin Stefanski and his staff. Here are three players to watch as they compete to fill crucial roles on both sides of the ball.
