While the workouts are considered voluntary, Mangini has made it clear that he wants his players in attendance because it was his first chance to address the team in a group setting.

Mangini and Rogers have clashed for nearly two months when the coach initially refused to communicate with his star player, despite being in the same place on two separate occasions. Rogers didn’t take the snubs lightly, as things escalated to the point where he asked to be released from his six-year, $42 million contract.

Rogers is guaranteed a $5 million bonus this month, making the player’s release unlikely, and should earn an additional $950,000 in likely-to-be-reached incentives when he’s on the field. Mangini has since attempted to reach out to Rogers, but his absence this week makes it clear that there is still much work to be done to patch up the relationship.

The Browns absolutely need this guy in the middle of their defense so it would behoove Mangini to settle the rift as quickly as he can. I understand that Mangini doesn’t want to give into his players, but Rogers has a history of being very unmotivated in a hurry. And while that doesn’t speak well for Rogers’ professionalism, he is what he is at this point in his career.