Good morning folks, today marks one of the more important days of the offseason schedule - the beginning of organized team activities, or OTAs. These sessions, along with June’s mandatory minicamp, are fairly close to “live practices”, except no pads (other than helmets) are to be worn, and contact is strictly forbidden. According to the CBA,
Phase Three consists of the next four weeks of the program. Teams may conduct a total of 10 days of organized team practice activity, or “OTAs.” No live contact is permitted, but 7-on-7, 9-on-7, and 11-on-11 drills are permitted.
There’s something of a trade-off here, though. We’ll get a better picture on some very important things, like Jimmy Garoppolo’s progression in the offense, or how the coverage schemes are fitting. We’ll get a better idea of where Jimmie Ward will be sticking, how Jerick McKinnon does swinging out of the backfield, and what rookie linebacker Fred Warner can add to the defense. However, it’ll be tough to gauge McKinnon’s effectiveness as a runner, how the positional battles along the interior offensive line are progressing, and perhaps most importantly, who is going to shine as our pass rusher.
A major consideration is the availability of Reuben Foster for OTAs. As of now, and until otherwise noted, he will be kept away from team activities. However, there seems to be an overwhelming sense of optimism that the domestic violence charges could be dropped - which is a possibility that we might know as soon as May 23rd, when Santa Clara County Superior Court Judge Nona Klippen decides whether or not the case will stand trial.
Should the justice system work in Foster’s favor, it is feasible that he could return for the third day of OTAs on Thursday, May 24th, having only missed the Monday & Tuesday (May 21 & 22) sessions.
OTA Offseason Workouts: May 21-22, May 24, May 29-30, June 1, June 4-5, June 7
Mandatory Minicamp: June 12-14
Pre-OTA Questions | Biderman, Ninerswire
Mike McGlinchey on Joe Staley | Branch, SF Gate