In recent years, the NFL has altered certain rules in order to make the game safer for its players and try to reduce the risk of brain trauma, which has become a huge concern.
One such rule has to do with the type of physical contact that is allowed during OTAs — live contact isn’t allowed during such activities.
The Detroit Lions reportedly violated that rule and will, as a result, have to forfeit their Monday OTA session, per Around the NFL.
Lions violated OTA contact rules, must forfeit practicehttps://t.co/FtgZvsOMEY
— Around The NFL (@AroundTheNFL) June 8, 2024
“The Lions announced Friday evening that they were notified they had violated player work rules regarding on-field physical contact and would need to forfeit Monday’s OTA practice, as a result,” wrote Grant Gordon.
While minicamps held by teams during the offseason are mandatory, OTAs aren’t, and a number of star players across the league have been holding out of OTAs in order to secure a contract extension.
In late April, the Lions prevented one of their own from possibly holding out when they gave wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown a four-year, $120 million extension that includes $77 million in guaranteed money, which is a record for a wide receiver.
St. Brown has quickly become one of pro football’s best wideouts, and in 2023, he had 119 catches, 1,515 yards and 10 touchdowns.
He was a huge reason why Detroit had their best season in ages by finishing first in the NFC North and coming within minutes of securing a spot in Super Bowl LVIII.
It was the first time Detroit had reached the NFC Championship Game or even won a single playoff game since the 1991 season.
With a mostly young squad, the Lions have high expectations for this coming season, and their fans are hoping the team will reach the Super Bowl for the first time.
