The New England Patriots were originally set to hold nine organized team activities over the course of a three-week period, leading up to their mandatory minicamp in mid-June. As head coach Mike Vrabel announced on Tuesday, however, the team has altered that schedule and shortened its offseason program.
Instead of nine OTAs, the Patriots will only hold six. Minicamp, meanwhile, has been moved up a week to June 9-11.
“We have moved, after some deliberation, the mandatory minicamp to next week, June
9, 10 and 11” Vrabel explained ahead of Tuesday’s practice.
“That will give us Monday to clean up a couple of physicals on some guys that weren’t here previously, and then three days of really good work there. That will conclude the veteran offseason program. We’ll have the rookies for a little bit of time after that.”
Vrabel calling an audible and change his team’s workout schedule in the offseason is nothing new. Last year, the team cut its minicamp short after the second day.
Despite a majority of the offseason program being voluntary, the Patriots have enjoyed strong participation so far. On Tuesday, only six of currently 91 rostered players were not present for what was the team’s fifth OTA practice.
That group was once again highlighted by cornerback Christian Gonzalez, who has stayed away from voluntary workouts in recent weeks while contract negotiations between his camp and the team are ongoing. Like any other non-attendee without an excused absence, he would be subject to fines should he not report to minicamp in time.
Pats Pulpit beat writers Brian Hines and Andrew Guindon will report live from Gillette Stadium for all three of mandatory minicamp.
