The Las Vegas Raiders can officially kick off their quest for the playoffs and, hopefully, their first playoff win in 20 years on Monday.
Virtually every NFL team, including the reigning Super Bowl champions, kicks off the voluntary portion of its offseason workout program on Monday, April 15. Teams with new head coaches (New England Patriots, Tennessee Titans, Carolina Panthers, Los Angeles Chargers, Atlanta Falcons, Washington Commanders, and Seattle Seahawks) were each allowed a bit of a head start on the offseason program.
The voluntary offseason workout program starts with two weeks of Phase I workouts. This part of the program isn't the most intensive regarding football activities. Players can attend meetings, partake in strength and conditioning training at team facilities, and participate in physical rehabilitation only. For that reason, the Raiders have recently encouraged their players to do their own thing during Phase I. They'll hold virtual team meetings, train independently, and only have players in at team facilities if they're in the area or rehabbing from injuries.
Players like Maxx Crosby work out with their teammates all offseason long. He and Tyree Wilson have been known to work out together this offseason. Guys who have been doing that should already be in shape.
On Monday, April 29, the team will advance to Phase II of the offseason workout program, which includes on-field workouts with individual or group instruction and drills, but still no live contact or team drills.
We'll enter Phase III of the offseason workout program at the end of May with ten total voluntary Organized Team Activities sessions (May 20-22, May 28-May 30, June 4-7). OTAs include on-field workouts with individual and group components, including walkthroughs, but no live contact is permitted during these workouts.
The rookie minicamp marks the first part of the off-season workout program, which is not considered voluntary. Teams can hold their rookie minicamp during the first or second weekend following the 2024 NFL draft. Only rookies, select first-year players, and select injured players are permitted to attend. It's an introduction to the NFL for incoming players, but every player on the 90-man offseason roster must attend the team's mandatory minicamp session from June 11 through June 13.
Training camp dates won't be announced until later this Summer, but they typically begin sometime in late July. Rookies and quarterbacks reported to camp on July 18 last year.
The Raiders are hoping to end their streak of not winning a playoff game in 20 years.
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