© Chris Pedota, NorthJersey.com
Jets Nearing Finish Line for OTAs, Will Not Host Mandatory Minicamp
The New York Jets' three-phase offseason program is in the stretch run.
Phase 3 organized team activities, or OTAs, kicked off on May 22 and Gang Green has completed seven of 10 allowed practices since.
Speaking ahead of Practice No. 8 on June 6, Jets' third-year head coach Robert Saleh announced that the team is foregoing the veteran minicamp permitted by the NFL CBA. The three-day program was scheduled for next week (June 13-15).
"No, we're not doing any. Everyone's dismissed [from minicamp]," said Saleh.
Since they'll open the NFL Preseason against the Cleveland Browns in the Hall of Fame Game on August 3, the Jets are allowed to kick off their training camp earlier than 30 other teams. Veterans can be asked to report 15 days prior to the team's first preseason game, which means July 19 for Gang Green.
"With the Hall of Fame Game, we're reporting a week earlier than everybody else and guys need to get away," said Saleh. "We've been here. They put in a really good offseason, all the guys have since April."
The Jets began OTAs on April 17 with the first two weeks (Phase 1) consisting strictly of "meetings, strength and conditioning, and physical rehabilitation."
Teams were not permitted to hold practices until Phase 3, but no live contact can occur at any point during the nine-week offseason program. The NFL CBA specifies that "no live contact is permitted, but 7-on-7, 9-on-7, and 11-on-11 drills are permitted [in Phase 3].”
Meanwhile, after Tuesday's on-field gathering, the two remaining voluntary OTA practices are set for Thursday and Friday (June 8-9). Those final two sessions will punctuate the offseason in Florham Park and the countdown to the Monday Night Football opener will begin.
"Just to give the guys the extra week to go take their break," said Saleh. "You need a week off and then you got to rev back up to get ready for the season."
The Jets will reconvene for training camp about six weeks from now.
"We'll pick it up and we'll regain it once we get back for the Hall of Fame Game," said Saleh.
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