We’re less than a week away form the Bears reporting to Halas Hall for the offseason program!
On Thursday, the NFL announced the offseason workout program dates for all 32 teams, and with the Chicago Bears having a new head coach, they’ll get to report earlier than other teams, plus they get an additional voluntary veteran minicamp.
Chicago’s first day is Monday, April 7, which kicks off Phase One of their offseason program. The first phase lasts two weeks, and the activities are limited to meetings, strength and conditioning, and physical rehabilitation only.
The Bears will hold a voluntary minicamp from April 21-23, and that kicks off Phase Two of their program. The second phase lasts for three weeks, and during this time, the following is allowed per league rules.
On-field workouts may include individual or group instruction and drills, as well as “perfect play drills,” and drills and plays with offensive players lining up across from offensive players and defensive players lining up across from defensive players, conducted at a walk-through pace. No live contact or team offense vs. team defense drills are permitted.
Next up is Phase Three, which is the next four weeks of the program. Players and coaches will be on the practice field, and 7-on-7, 9-on-7, and 11-on-11 drills are allowed. However, no live contact is permitted.
Chicago’s OTAs are scheduled for May 20-22, May 27-30, and June 9-11, wth their Mandatory Minicamp slated for June 3-5.
The Bears will also hold a Rookie Minicamp either the first or second weekend after the NFL Draft, and each NFL club may hold a rookie football development program for a period of seven weeks beginning on May 12.