Random Ramsdom: NFL, NFLPA finally on same page with preseason games

Monday afternoon brought more progress between the NFL and NFLPA as the league officially proposed a plan that would contain zero preseason games next month, which finally matches up with the wishes of the players.

One of the biggest reasons why the players sought out to erase the preseason schedule was so that there could be a longer acclimation period following their return to team facilities.

On the heels of such an unusual and unconventional offseason, players are not too high on taking any chances after past statistics show that injury chances across the board skyrocket following unusually long layoffs. In an open letter to the league, NFLPA President J.C. Tretter quoted statistics from 2011 when the NFL experienced their last lockout to showcase just how risky things can be if they don’t take things slow:

“We did our due diligence and reviewed the impact of returning to play football after an unusually long period away. For example, following the extended break after the 2011 lockout, injuries increased by 25%. Achilles injuries more than doubled and hamstring strains went up 44%.”

Younger players certainly won’t have as much skin in this game, but the veterans have been around long enough to know how to handle the ins-and-outs of these situations. They’re where they are now because they’ve made the right choices for their bodies time and time again.

While this is definitely a bummer for those who wanted to watch some live football next month, it’s going to be better in the long run for both the players and the upcoming season.

Now here are today’s links.

Rams News:

Stu Jackson believes TE Tyler Higbee will earn his first pro bowl in 2020 (TheRams.com)

Watch: Get a tour of the Rams’ locker room (The Rams Wire)

Bret Stuter talks WR Antonio Brown and how his apparent retirement means he won’t land in the NFC West (Ramblin’ Fan)

Sean McVay thinks the backfield will work itself out (Pro Football Talk)

NFL News:

Bill Barnwell predicts the 2020 NFL MVP (ESPN)

The NFL preseason has officially been cut to zero games (ESPN)

Brad Gagnon re-drafts the 2012 NFL draft (Bleacher Report)

The Washington Football Team hires first female regular on NFL Team Radio (Bleacher Report)

Chris Trapasso ranks every sophomore QB heading into the 2020 season (CBS Sports)

Mike Florio reports on the NFL spending $75 million on coronavirus tests (Pro Football Talk)