Seahawks OTAs underway this week: What you need to know

We’re less than three months away from the Seattle Seahawks’ preseason opener at the Los Angeles Chargers. This is typically the quiet part of the offseason in terms of significant news and roster movement, but the work never stops!

Just over two weeks removed from rookie minicamp, Seattle will kick off its Organized Team Activities (OTAs) on Monday, May 20. These are the last set of workouts leading up to the mandatory minicamp on June 11-13. Both OTAs and minicamp are considered Phase 3 of the offseason.

Here’s a brief rundown of what you need to know about OTAs:

When are the Seahawks’ OTA workout dates?

May 20, May 22-23, May 28, May 30-31, June 3-4, June 6-7

Are OTAs voluntary or mandatory?

They are voluntary. Minicamp is mandatory, but there is no requirement for players to attend OTAs, and thus players can’t be fined for missing OTAs.

What is permitted at OTAs?

The Phase 3 rules, as outlined by the NFL Players’ Association:

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

Special teams drills are similarly allowed, but just like offense vs. defense drills there is no live contact permitted.

Each player is also limited to four hours of OTAs per day.

What’s next after OTAs and minicamp?

A mini-summer break and then training camp, followed by preseason, at which point you better be ready for some football.

Are OTAs available to watch via live stream or through public attendance?

No. The team will gladly post select highlights for us to (over)react to, but neither OTAs nor minicamp is eligible for live public viewing. League rules stipulate that local media has access to one out of every three days of OTAs. All mandatory minicamp practices will have a media presence.

We should expect details on the Seahawks’ open training camp dates (plus the mock game) no later than the end of June.