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NFL mandatory minicamps 2021 — Vaccination questions, Baker Mayfield’s focus and more

June 17, 2021
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NFL mandatory minicamps continued on Wednesday, another workout closer to the start of the real offseason for players and coaches before training camps open in July.

As the NFL and the NFL Players Association released COVID-19 protocols for the preseason, talk of who is vaccinated was a hot topic around camps. Players such as Kirk Cousins, Lamar Jackson and Zach Wilson declined to say whether they have been vaccinated. Meanwhile, Vikings coach Mike Zimmer said Wednesday unvaccinated players will “have a hard time during the season” with the additional protocols in place.

A day after Browns running back Nick Chubb said he wants to remain in Cleveland as he enters the final year of his rookie deal, his quarterback, Baker Mayfield, said he is in “no rush” to get an extension and is only focused on winning. And in Minnesota, the Vikings came together to sing happy birthday to reigning offensive rookie of the year Justin Jefferson.

Here are some snapshots, many from ESPN’s NFL Nation reporters who are on the scene at this week’s activities, from Wednesday’s minicamps:

Top news of the day

Mayfield in ‘no rush’ to get Browns extension
“Everything happens for a reason and it’ll handle itself,” said Cleveland Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield, who became eligible for an extension this offseason. “So, just worried about winning.”

Vikes’ Zimmer: Unvaccinated face tough time
Minnesota Vikings coach Mike Zimmer said Wednesday that players who have not received a COVID-19 vaccine will “have a hard time during the season” given the additional protocols they will have to follow.

Bears’ Robinson prepared to play on one-year deal
Chicago Bears wide receiver Allen Robinson sounded resigned to possibly playing the 2021 NFL season on a one-year deal in advance of the July 15 deadline for franchise-tagged players to receive long-term contracts. “I don’t have any [contract] updates or nothing like that,” Robinson said on a Tuesday Zoom call. “That’s not in my control, if I don’t [get a long-term deal].”

Owner: Jets can be special under Saleh
Because of unusual circumstances, New York Jets chairman Woody Johnson wasn’t involved in the hiring of coach Robert Saleh and general manager Joe Douglas. Essentially, he inherited them, but the longtime owner professed his confidence in the new leadership tandem. “They’ve got a tremendous amount of leeway,” Johnson said Wednesday, speaking to the football media for the first time in four years. “I’m totally in sync with these guys.”

More NFL headlines:

Quotes of the day

“My thought was, the opt-out was for (2020). And that was (2020). All the rumors about about retirement, you all had me thinking someone was trying to kick me out. But when I did what I did, it was for what I felt was best for my family. And, obviously, I feel a little different about the situation I’m in now. But I would absolutely do it again.”

Dont’a Hightower, Patriots LB

“Overall health, I feel 100%. But to get in to football shape, that’s just something that you have to go back out on the field and take all the steps that you need to take and take all the hand placements that you need to take.”

Danielle Hunter, Vikings DE who missed all of last season with a neck injury

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