The first week of joint practices at NFL training camps has seen some intense moments, including one player being carted off the field and two teams being fined $200,000 each for fights. These incidents have sparked discussions about the necessity of extending joint practice sessions beyond a single day, with more teams opting for one-day practices this year.
New York Jets coach Robert Saleh stated, “One, to me, is plenty,” expressing the sentiment shared by many in the league that two-day joint practices can lead to increased aggression and a higher risk of injuries. The NFL recently fined the New York Giants and Detroit Lions for multiple fights during their two days of practice, highlighting the league’s zero-tolerance policy towards unprofessional conduct.
While concerns have been raised about the safety and productivity of two-day joint practices, some incidents this week, such as Atlanta wide receiver Rondale Moore’s injury and fights between the Giants and Lions, occurred even on the first day. NFL teams can hold joint practices for up to four days during training camp, with some opting for multiple one-day sessions against different opponents.
Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford expressed a preference for limiting joint practices to one day to reduce the likelihood of fights and injuries. Saleh, who experienced significant injuries during past joint practices, emphasized the physical toll of back-to-back intense days on players and the diminished productivity that can result.
While some coaches find value in the different looks and challenges presented by joint practices, others like Chiefs coach Andy Reid opt to focus on internal team competition. Packers safety Xavier McKinney shared concerns about fights and lack of variety in play calling during joint practices, advocating for shorter durations.
Ultimately, the debate over the ideal length and structure of joint practices continues among NFL teams, with some finding it beneficial for preseason preparation while others prefer alternative training methods.
