Ravens OTAs, minicamp schedule released

The break for many Ravens players will be coming to an end soon.

While plenty show up to the team's facility to work out, they're not allowed to speak to coaches other than to exchange pleasantries due to the 2011 collective bargaining agreement. BaltimoreRavens.com's Ryan Mink wrote about this recently with tight end Matt Furstenburg expressing his frustration over it.

But there is a light at the end of the tunnel for the players that are looking forward to meeting with the coaching staff. On Thursday, the NFL announced offseason workout dates for each team.

The first day the Ravens can begin offseason activities will be on April 21. That's when the Phase One portion begins, which means the team can only participate in voluntary strength and conditioning activities.

After two weeks, the Ravens will enter Phase Two be able to work out on the field but will be limited in what they can do. For instance, there cannot be any live contact or offense vs. defense drills. Individual player instruction is OK, as well as "team practices conducted on a 'separates' basis," according to the NFL.

Phase Three is when the Ravens, and other NFL teams, can begin organized team activities. Ten practices are scheduled for each franchise. The Ravens' OTA dates are May 28-30, June 3-5, June 9-10 and June 12-13. Their mandatory minicamp will be held from June 17-19.