NFL rolls out offseason program with usual on-field OTAs
NFL offseason workouts remain largely voluntary and virtual with the exception of June minicamps.
The league released its official, universal plan for teams with the offseason beginning officially on Monday with Phase I, which lasts four weeks and prohibits on-field work with coaches.
Players from several teams, including the Super Bowl champion Tampa Bay Buccaneers, New England Patriots and Denver Broncos, issued statements in the past two days detailing their plans to skip voluntary workouts.
One point of contention for players is likely to be on-field organized team activities (OTAs), which remain in the offseason plan despite opposition from the NFLPA.
In the memo from the NFL to teams, the league advised of its goal to make vaccinations fully available to all players and personnel during the first phase of the offseason, which ends May 14.
Phase I: April 19-May 14
Meetings are allowed but are required to be held virtually. No on-field work or position group work will be permitted.
Players following social distance guidelines are able to use the weight room at each team facility under the direction of the team’s strength and conditioning coaches.
Phase II: May 17-21
On-field drills are permitted under strict guidelines: No contact with time limited on the field each day.
Phase III: May 24-June 18
During this phase, 10 days of OTAs are allowed with players permitted up to two hours per day of on-field work.
Mandatory veteran minicamps can be held at the team facility.
Meetings during this phase can be virtual or in person, adhering to guidelines limiting the number of people in parts of a team facility.
Training camps are expected to begin the last week of July.
–Field Level Media
