NASHVILLE – Titans head coach Mike Vrabel is doing his best to make the best of a unique situation.
Like other coaches across the NFL, Vrabel is overseeing virtual workouts. Players and coaches currently aren't allowed in facilities, and it's unclear when that might be permitted.
In the meantime, Vrabel is also setting his sights on the 2020 season, and the best way to get his team prepared.
He's still hoping the Titans will be able to work against at least one team during training camp. The Titans held joint practices with the Patriots in Nashville last season and with the Buccaneers at Saint Thomas Sports Park in 2018. There's at least a chance the team might go on the road, if the situation allows it, this August.
"There have been some discussions," Vrabel said during a Zoom conference call on Wednesday. "I would anticipate once we get a little more clarity on what training camp looks like, that I'm hopeful that we'll be able to practice with one, if not two teams."
The Titans are scheduled to face the Giants and Bears in Nashville during this year's preseason while traveling to face the Redskins and Buccaneers.
Vrabel said the Titans rookies are now taking part in the team's virtual offseason program. He's hoping they'll get some extra work when training camp begins to make up for lost time.
He's not sure when the team will be allowed back in the building, however.
"What they have told me is that we're going to extend the virtual offseason program until May 29, and that's what I'm planning for," Vrabel said. "That's what I told our coaches (Wednesday) morning. After that, then I'll listen to what they tell us, and I'll read the memo they send me, and I'll make adjustments from there.
"When the NFL gives us a direction, then we're going to try and follow it the best that we can. This is a serious time. And it's a sensitive time. So, I'm going to focus on what I can control with our football team and then when we get some direction from the league, we'll always do right by the players. There's nothing more important than the health and safety of our football players and their families. When we get some more clarity we'll give ... more answers."
