:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/13070861/20130510_gav_al9_325.0.jpg)
The Buffalo Bills' 2013 rookie minicamp is in the books, but the work doesn't stop there: veteran players return to the field starting today to kick off voluntary OTAs. It will be the first time the rookies meet some of their veteran counterparts, but it should be stressed that this set of organized team activities are an optional part of the off-season schedule.
With a rookie head coach, Buffalo was allowed an extra veteran minicamp April 16-18. That was the first time Doug Marrone was able to share his offensive and defensive concepts with the team. The team hasn't run 7-on-7 outside of the minicamps, but they have been together as far back as April 2, when the team's off-season workout program began.
During OTAs, teams can run 7-on-7, 9-on-7 and 11-on-11 drills, though no live hitting is permitted. They will run from May 13-31, practicing three days per week (save for the last week, when four practices are scheduled). Following OTAs, the Bills will get a week off prior to the mandatory minicamp that runs from June 11-13.
Training camp dates haven't been announced yet, but it will start sometime in late July and run through the middle of August. The first preseason game is August 11, with the first regular season game September 8.