:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/photo_images/2075155/GYI0063799350.jpg)
The NFL lockout is back!
After Judge Susan Nelson lifted the lockout and then denied the owners request at a stay, the NFL resumed normal-ish operations. Players were allowed to enter their teams' facilities and talk with coaches, which was good for the Bengals because the offensive players were able to get Jay Gruden's new playbook.
Of course the owners appealed the decision, requesting a stay from the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals, and we reported this morning that the stay would likely be granted.
Well now it's official. It's being reported that the owners have been granted their stay and the NFL is now back in lockout mode. Once again, teams can not contact players and players are not allowed to enter team facilities.
This is just in time for the Bengals to draft a new quarterback in TCU's Andy Dalton (No. 35) and a new wide receiver in Georgia's A.J. Green (No. 4). Both Green and Dalton will be unable to talk to their new offensive coordinator to get ready for the 2011 season.
Hopefully they hook up with some of the players that got playbooks during their one-day lockoutless window.
We'll update you as more information rolls in.