End of two-a-days makes for big changes in NFL camps

Fans might not notice it as much, but a big change happened this summer in training camps as the new NFL Collective Bargaining Agreement put an end to the traditional two-a-day practices.

Former Seahawk Dave Wyman says he’s heard from a number of veteran players who praise the change for helping prevent injuries during training camp.

NFL insider John Clayton agrees. After touring training camps during the past month, he tells Bob and Groz
the change has made a noticeable difference in cutting the injuries that would usually plague players, especially the guys in the trenches.

“You can see that veteran offensive linemen were the ones who kind of set up this CBA because they didn’t like the grueling two-a-days taking their 320-pound bodies out there twice a day in the heat.”

But Wyman says fewer practices means a lot fewer opportunities for players trying to make the team.

“Guys that are trying to make the team, there are less reps, less chances and then you get less in hitting shape,” Wyman says.

The NFL veteran says the change has also significantly impacted coaches and GM’s trying to decide who stays and who gets cut.

“They’re really having to use these preseason games as more of an indicator than they used to. It used to be about ‘man we have a whole bunch of practices here,'” Wyman says.

Seahawks QB Russell Wilson says he’s been surprised by the change as well. In an interview with Brock and Salk, the rookie says the lack of early season practices has been a big change from his college days.

“In college you get out there and you’re out there all day…In the pros we meet a lot more so it’s a lot more focus on the mental state of the game and everything, which is pretty cool for me especially playing the quarterback position.”