The second phase of the offseason workouts for the Pittsburgh Steelers got underway on Monday as coaches are now permitted to work with the players for individual instruction and position drills. In addition, this the first time that coaches can also hold short position meetings with players. In phase one of the offseason program, players were limited to just strength and conditioning workouts only outside of quarterbacks being allowed to throw to uncovered receivers.
Below is the official description from the CBA as to what can now take place in the second phase of the offseason:
Phase Two shall consist of the next three weeks of the Club\’s offseason workout program. Subject to the additional rules set forth in Section 5 of this Article, during Phase Two all coaches shall be allowed on the field. On-field workouts may include individual player instruction and drills, as well as “perfect play” drills (e.g., offense or defense only, but not offense vs. defense), or special teams drills on a “separates” basis (e.g.., kicking team or return team only, but not kicking team vs. return team). No live contact or team offense vs. team defense drills are permitted. No offense vs. defense drills are permitted (e.g.., no one-on-one offensive linemen vs. defensive linemen pass rush or pass protection drills, no wide receivers vs. defensive backs bump and-run drills, and no one-on-one special teams drills involving both offense and defense are permitted.) Players cannot wear helmets during Phase Two.
In addition to the above the Steelers will bring all of their rookies in for the annual rookie camp that gets underway on Friday and ends on Sunday.
Looking ahead past this coming weekend, below are the dates for the Steelers OTA sessions and minicamp.
OTA Offseason Workouts: May 21-23, May 28-30, June 3-6
Mandatory Minicamp: June 11-13