Bengals back to work Monday for first day of OTAs

The Cincinnati Bengals are back at work today.

While it's nothing major or even a full NFL practice, organized team activities are a notable part of the offseason. It's the first time the majority of the team is in Cincinnati getting to work out together while also getting to know the new guys.

So this may be the first time guys like Karlos Dansby and Brandon LaFell get to meet their new teammates. These workouts are also important in that they sometimes reveal significant injuries certain players are dealing with.

Thankfully, the Bengals don't have many of those this year, but one guy to monitor is cornerback Darqueze Dennard. He's recovering from a major shoulder injury that could sideline him up until training camp, so it will be interesting to see if the team gives an update on his health. Typically, the Bengals air on the side of no update.

Neither he nor any Bengal will be doing much on-field work though as the first OTA phase is merely strength and conditioning. This is not your typical practice where they're on the field throwing passes, but instead just S&C for now. That doesn't mean players won't do on-field work on their own, but it won't be organized by the team itself.

Bengals offseason workout schedule

First day and Voluntary OTA: 4/18

OTAs: May 24-26, May 31- June 2, June 6-9

Rookie Minicamp: May 6-9.

Mandatory Minicamp: June 14-16

And here is a recap of how the three phases of the offseason work, per the collective bargaining agreement:

• Phase One consists of the first two weeks of the program with activities limited to strength and conditioning and physical rehabilitation only.
• Phase Two consists of the next three weeks of the program. On-field workouts may include individual player instruction and drills as well as team practice conducted on a "separates" basis. No live contact or team offense vs. team defense drills are permitted.
• 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.