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AROUND THE SHIELD — Penei Sewell's first run-out with his Detroit Lions teammates will have to wait.
The No. 7 overall draft pick from Desert Hills High by way of Oregon won't report to Lions' rookie minicamp after testing positive for COVID-19, he said Wednesday via social media.
"Found out this past weekend I tested positive for COVID," Sewell tweeted. "Really wish I was heading to my new home today and able to be at mini-camp with my new teammates and coaches. Look forward to getting out to the D as soon as I'm cleared!"
Found out this past weekend I tested positive for COVID. Really wish I was heading to my new home today and able to be at mini-camp with my new teammates and coaches. Look forward to getting out to the D as soon as I'm cleared!
— Penei Sewell (@peneisewell58) May 12, 2021
The former Outland Trophy winner was expected to play a key role on the Lions' young offensive line after opting out of his final season at Oregon due to COVID-19 concerns.
The Lions' open their two-day rookie minicamp Friday, May 14. Offseason workouts follow May 25-27, June 2-4 and June 14-17, with mandatory minicamp for all players June 8-10.
The NFL's offseason program was revised following the most recently season which was dramatically altered by the pandemic. The new offseason program includes three phases, according to a memo obtained by the Associated Press, with Phase 1 running from April 19 through May 14.
In that phase, teams can hold up to two hours of activity at the facility, but on-field drills will not be permitted and all meetings are held virtually.
Teams can return to on-field drills May 17-24 during Phase 2, but meetings remain virtual. The third phase, running from May 24 through June 18, includes 10 days of traditional organized team activities at full speed without contact and a required minicamp.
Meetings during the third phase can be held both virtually or in-person.
