Dolphins start OTAs as 2026 offseason training program continues
The Dolphins held their first OTA on Monday.
MADRID, SPAIN - NOVEMBER 12: Zach Sieler during the Miami Dolphins training session ahead their upcoming the National Football League (NFL) 2025 Madrid Game against Washington Commanders at Riyadh Air Metropolitano on November 12, 2025, in Madrid, Spain. (Photo By Dennis Agyeman/Europa Press via Getty Images) | Europa Press via Getty Images The Miami Dolphins opened their first round of organized team activities, or OTAs, on Monday as the team progressed into phase three of their 2026 offseason training program. The first two phases of the program are focused on film work and individual drills.
In phase three, the team can start working on offense versus defense drills and having players practice in helmets and elbow/knee pads. The Dolphins have nine days of OTAs scheduled out of a possible 10 days. They also have their mandatory minicamp scheduled during this phase, the only event everyone must attend or risk being fined.
OTAs are here š¬ pic. twitter. com/sUi6UUUEG3 ā Miami Dolphins (@MiamiDolphins) May 18, 2026 Offseason Training Program Phase 3 Rules The full rules for phase three are: The final four weeks of the offseason training program include up to 10 days of OTAs spread over three weeks.
No live contact is allowed during this phase, but this is the first time teams can work offense versus defense in 7-on-7, 9-on-7, and 11-on-11 team drills. Restrictions on the schedule include teams being allowed three OTA days during each of the first two weeks, with a one-time exception for a fourth day in one of the weeks, but phase two rules (individual/group instruction, walk-throughs, and no offense versus defense) apply to that day. Helmets are permitted during phase three, as are knee and elbow pads.