The Ravens will formally return to work later this month to ramp up preparations for the 2017 season.
The first phase of the nine-week workout program begins on April 17 and is limited to two weeks of conditioning and strength training as well as physical rehabilitation. Many notable players and young players alike have been present for the first day in past offseasons, but all of these workouts are officially considered voluntary.
The next phase of the offseason schedule occurs over the next three weeks. On-field workouts that include individual player instruction and drills as well as team practices conducted on a “separate” basis are permitted, but no live contact or team offense against team defense drills can be conducted.
The final phase of the offseason program covers the next four weeks. During this period, teams may conduct a total of 10 days of organized team practice activity, or OTAs. No live contact is permitted, but 7-on-7, 9-on-7, and 11-on-11 drills are allowed.
Though these workouts are considered voluntary by definition, most players are expected attend regularly. The NFL’s collective bargaining agreement allows for a mandatory three-day minicamp for veteran players, which may occur during the third phase of the offseason.
Each club may also conduct a rookie football development program for a period of seven weeks, which may begin on May 15. During this period, no activities may be held on weekends except one post-draft rookie minicamp, which can be conducted on either the first or second weekend following the draft.
Below is the Ravens’ 2017 offseason training program schedule that was released Thursday by the NFL:
First Day: April 17
OTA Offseason Workouts: May 23-25, May 30-June 1, June 5-6, June 8-9
Mandatory Minicamp: June 13-15
