Attorneys for the locked-out NFL players arrived at federal court on Tuesday to meet with the judge who will oversee court-ordered mediation with the league.

The attorneys met with U.S. Magistrate Judge Arthur Boylan, with Hall of Fame defensive end Carl Eller in attendance. All declined comment.

The NFL's attorneys are scheduled to meet with Boylan on Wednesday before the sides begin mediation Thursday.

U.S. District Judge Susan Richard Nelson ordered the mediation on Monday with the lockout at one month and counting. Nelson is still considering a request from the players to lift the lockout imposed by owners after the players dissolved their union, clearing the way for the court fight.

The meetings will help get Boylan caught up with the arguments on both sides, setting the table for the first face-to-face negotiations between the players and the league since talks broke off March 11 in Washington and the collective bargaining agreement expired.