The NFL offseason has been conducted abnormally due to the coronavirus pandemic, which could cause some concerns with the development of some of the younger players in the league. Doug Marrone, the head coach of the Jacksonville Jaguars, spoke about the challenges that stem from the unusual circumstances of this offseason.

Marrone told local media members on Friday that it may be tougher for some players to get into a rhythm this offseason:

“We're trying to work on ways to speed up the process of all those reps … Maybe five percent of our football team will be able to catch up quickly. The veteran guys who have been doing it for a while and who are comfortable with the system have a good opportunity. But these younger players … they've missed reps.

Of course, the Jaguars are entering their first full season with Gardner Minshew as their starting quarterback. Minshew was Jacksonville's sixth-round selection in the 2019 NFL Draft that showed promise in his 12 starts as a rookie.

Besides Minshew, the Jaguars are littered with young players on their roster due to parting ways with some of their key veterans. Nevertheless, Marrone is attempting to configure ways for the younger players to get up to speed with everything.

RECOMMENDED (Article Continues Below)
Neckbrace Tony Khan with a text bubble reading "WWE is the Harvey Weinstein of professional wrestling" with the NFL Network logo as the background.

Matty Breisch ·

Brock Bowers, 2024 NFL Draft, question marks above

Alex House ·

Cooper DeJean and Trevor Lawrence.

Nick Meyer ·

“We're trying to see how we can introduce ways of really trying to catch up for the younger guys so they have a chance to be able to compete for a job.”

Despite the coronavirus still affecting states around the country, the NFL intends to hold training camps on time. All 32 teams, especially the Jaguars, will have to face the challenge of preparing their young players on short notice.