The Arizona Cardinals have commenced Phase Three of their offseason program, marking the start of organized team activities (OTAs) where players can now don helmets and engage in offense versus defense drills, although contact remains prohibited by the collective bargaining agreement.
Traditionally, teams can hold up to ten OTA sessions alongside a three-day mandatory minicamp. However, this year, Coach Jonathan Gannon has decided to reduce the OTAs to six sessions—three occurring this week and three the following week—prior to the mandatory minicamp scheduled for June 10-12. Afterward, players will be on their own until training camp begins in late July.
“I kind of look at the global view of that and the nine practices I feel like we can get done what we need to get done,” Gannon explained regarding his decision to cut down on OTAs. “You guys will see some different things that you haven’t seen in two years … but we tweaked some things and hopefully for development and health. That’s the teeter-totter I live on, health and development. But we feel good about the plan in place.”
Media access to these OTAs is limited, with only a few sessions open for coverage. The upcoming minicamp is mandatory while participation in OTAs remains voluntary. Notably absent from Wednesday’s session were veterans Calais Campbell, Josh Sweat, Dalvin Tomlinson, and Kelvin Beachum; however, most of the roster was present and participating or rehabilitating injuries.
Gannon highlighted the importance of communication among players regarding their attendance plans for workouts. “Our guys have done an excellent job communicating with me,” he noted.
Since mid-April, the offseason program has been underway as a precursor to an anticipated season under Gannon’s leadership in his third year with the team.
“I’m ready,” expressed running back James Conner. “We ain’t doing this forever… The sooner the better. I’ll put it like that.”
Caitlyn Epes Kerl/Arizona Cardinals
