Detroit Lions offseason schedule has been released. This includes one week fewer of practice than usual.
The NFL announced the dates of offseason training for all 32 teams on Thursday afternoon. This includes the OTAs (Organized Teams Activities) and minicamp.
The Detroit Lions will begin their offseason program on the 22nd of April. Detroit will start its offseason program on April 22. This is because teams with a returning coach are not allowed to begin their offseason until the third Monday in April (April 21). The program is restricted to strength and conditioning exercises and workouts during this period are optional. Once they get to Phase 2–after two weeks of the activities–individual drills and “perfect” play drills are allowed, but there are still no offense vs. defense drills.
The Lions will begin OTAs on May 28. This is Phase 3 of the offseason. Teams can do 7-on-7, 11-on-11 and 7-on-11 drills during this period, but they will be padless practices without any live contact. It’s interesting to note that Lions only have two weeks of OTAs scheduled, despite the fact that teams can have up to three.
- May 28-30
- June 3-5
The Lions usually give rookies and young players a week off to prepare for the season. Last year, , the Lions were forced to forfeit one final day of OTAs because they violated the player work rules pertaining on-field contact, according to the Collective Bargaining agreement.
The Lions will conduct a three-day Mandatory Minicamp after OTAs, from June 10 to 12. The Lions will hold three days of mandatory minicamp from June 10 to 12.
Short:
- The first day of Lions organised activities is April 22
- OTA dates: May 28-30, June 3-5
- Minicamp for all participants: 10-12 June
The training camp usually begins towards the end of July. Dates of these practices are usually revealed by late June.
A version of this post was originally published on this site