If you are a player would you take part in an off season practice with teammates? The benefits are obvious. The draw back. If you get hurt teams don't have to pay you. Because it was an injury off company time. Exactly what happen to Merling last year. They can also cut you if they want to save cap space. The risk of injury may not be worth it. Especially if you are a player a team views as easily replaceable. Like back up players. So would we the fans be upset about hearing there are players skipping these practices?