Colts begin OTAs today

The Indianapolis Colts today are beginning Phase III of their offseason program, which is the most notable part of the program: OTAs.

These organized team activities (OTAs) allow teams to actually conduct team drills on the field. Previously, the team could only do conditioning work (Phase I) and then individual drills (Phase II), but in Phase III team drills are allowed. That means that things like 11-on-11, 7-on-7, and 7-9 are allowed, along with other things. These practices are still non-contact, but it’s the most like a real game experience that they’ll get in the offseason program.

The Colts, like other teams, are allowed to hold ten OTA practices. They will have three practices this week, three next week, and then four the following week. Here are the dates for their OTA practices: Monday, May 22; Tuesday, May 23; Thursday, May 25; Wednesday, May 31; Thursday, June 1; Friday, June 2; Monday, June 5; Tuesday, June 6; Wednesday, June 7; and Thursday, June 8. At the conclusion of the ten OTA practices, the Colts will also hold a mandatory mini-camp which will take place the following week, from June 13-15. After that, the players will go their separate ways until training camp.

OTAs are still voluntary, but most players typically show up just like throughout the rest of the offseason program. And while it’s probably not the most exciting thing to some fans, the reality is that this is probably the most interesting and informative period of the offseason workouts.