The NFL and the NFLPA previously were unable implement the new trade deadline and injured reserve rules because the NFL tied the changes to relaxation of the 2011 restrictions on padded practices.
The NFL dropped that request, which resulted in the two sides getting a deal done.
But one change was made to the current practice rules. NFL spokesman Greg Aiello tells PFT that, starting next year, players who sign or report after training camp starts will be able to practice in pads the day after passing a physical. This eliminates the three-day “break-in” period that has kept players like Steelers receiver Mike Wallace and Jaguars receiver Justin Blackmon from hitting the ground, um, hitting.
That said, the “break-in” period still applies when camp open. But for anyone who shows up after the hitting starts, they will be able to practice in pads sooner.
Of course, that won’t help Jaguars running back Maurice Jones-Drew, who along with Patriots lineman Brian Waters are the last remaining holdouts in 2012.
Speaking of Jones-Drew, here’s a look at where things are now that the Jaguars finally have said they won’t trade him -- presumably after a week of not getting the kind of offers they’d want.