It’s an actual on-field (or on turf) practice. It is deemed walk-through because it is not a padded practice. Generally players are in helmets only. There will be zero contact, although drills will take place. Here are some examples:
-stretching
-conditioning/rehab
-individual drills (indi)
-interior/perimeter install
- defensive checks/coverages
-routes on air
- specials
For many parts, they will be taking the Xs and Os from film or chalkboard and literally walking through it on the field (recognizing fronts and what play to get into, looking at formations and discussing what coverage they need to be in or how motions will change this, etc)
Then tmrw and Friday will be “uppers/full” contact, but not live ball. There they’ll have their thud but no finish on blocks and tackling, while given the opportunity to refine those new checks, plays, etc against the various new (or old) fronts they’ll see