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With the conclusion of their rookie minicamp last weekend, the Pittsburgh Steelers have now completed phase two of their offseason training program. Starting on Tuesday, they will move onto the final stage of their preparations ahead of training camp with 10 days of Organized Team Activities (OTAs) and then finishing with a mandatory minicamp. A period that will also be the rookies first chance to meet with many of their new veteran teammates.
Phase three will run from May 21 until June 6, with Pittsburgh set to hold 10 voluntary training sessions that can include team offense versus team defense activities as part of 7-on-7, 9-on-7, and 11-on-11 drills. Live contract is still not permitted during this stage and each day can last no more than six hours. Phase three OTA rules as per the NFLPA:
4 weeks total
3 weeks for 10 total OTA’s
A maximum of 3 OTA’s each week for the first 2 weeks
During Weeks 1 & 2 a 4th non OTA workout is allowed but phase two rules apply
A maximum of 4 OTA’s for the 3rd or 4th week
One week for mini camp
No pads except protective knee and elbow pads, helmets are permitted
No live contact
7 on 7, 9 on 7 and 11 on 11 drills will be permitted provided no live contact takes place
Dates of Steelers OTAs in 2019
- OTA #1 - Tuesday, May 21
- OTA #2 - Wednesday, May 22
- OTA #3 - Thursday, May 23
- OTA #4 - Tuesday, May 28
- OTA #5 - Wednesday, May 29
- OTA #6 - Thursday, May 30
- OTA #7 - Monday, June 3
- OTA #8 - Tuesday, June 4
- OTA #9 - Wednesday, June 5
- OTA #10 - Thursday, June 6
Phase three will then conclude with a mandatory three day minicamp running from June 11 until June 13 that can last upto 10 hours a day. Phase three minicamp rules as per the NFLPA:
Physicals on Monday but no practice
Practices Tuesday - Thursday, with a day off on Friday
Allowed two practices totaling 3 ½ Hours on the field per day
Second practice limited to walk through activities only
While OTAs are voluntary, it should still be expected that all players will attend and there have been no reported absences from either phase of the offseason training program so far this year.