The 2011 NFL Lockout has left players unable to work out at team facilities, which leaves players attempting to organize workouts on their own. The best example of this has been the New Orleans Saints, who recently had 37 players on hand for workouts organized by quarterback Drew Brees. The longer this lockout drags on the more individual players will really have to step up as leaders of their teams. Assuming the lockout is eventually resolved, teams that were the most organized during the chaos could have an advantage when the 2011 season begins.
Which brings us to CSN Bay Area's TMZ style taping of some 49ers players arriving at an undisclosed gym for some workouts with teammates. I've embedded the video after the jump, which includes Alex Smith, Adam Snyder, Joe Staley, and Patrick Willis, among others. It's a pretty short video without a whole lot going on, but it's still good to see some teammates getting together.
At this point it is my understanding that the number of 49ers players involved is somewhere in the teens. I thought I saw that somewhere but I can't find the link. It's certainly an interesting sign that Alex Smith is taking part, although not exactly shocking.
As the lockout continues on we'll keep an eye out for more information on 49ers workouts and what they've got going on down in the South Bay. Now that some of the players have their playbooks, I hope they're doing some kind of work learning and discussing the playbook. It's not as good as being able to ask questions of the coaching staff, but it's a positive step forward for them.
49ers Players Meeting To Work Out