The Ravens will officially return to work in two weeks to begin preparations for the 2018 season.
The first phase of the nine-week workout program begins April 16 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 years, but all of these workouts are officially voluntary.
The next phase of the offseason schedule occurs over 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 third phase of the offseason program covers the final 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 voluntary by definition, most players are expected to 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 14. During this period, no activities may be held on weekends except one post-draft rookie minicamp, which may be conducted on either the first or second weekend following the draft. The dates for Baltimore’s rookie minicamp have not yet been announced, but it usually falls on the first weekend after the draft.
Below is the Ravens’ 2018 offseason training program schedule that was released Monday by the NFL: First Day: April 16 OTA Offseason Workouts: May 21-22, May 24, May 29, May 31-June 1, June 4-5, June 7-8 Mandatory Minicamp: June 12-14
