Orchard Park, N.Y. (WGR Sports Radio 550) - The Buffalo Bills began their offseason workout program back on April 21. Seven weeks later, they begin their final round of workouts.
Up until now, it’s been voluntary for players to be in attendance. That changes this week when the Bills will hold their three-day mandatory minicamp on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday in Orchard Park.
All eyes are expected to be on whether or not running back James Cook is there with his teammates. Cook is seeking a new contract as he enters the fourth and final year of his rookie deal. He did not show up for any of the team’s voluntary workouts up to this point.
According to the NFL’s collective bargaining agreement, players are subject to fines for unexcused absences from minicamp, and these fines increase with each day missed. The fines start at $17,462 fine for the first day, and then $34,925 for a second day missed and another $52,381 if they are absent a third day.
Bills head coach Sean McDermott will address the local media at 11:30 a.m. on Tuesday prior to practice beginning at 12:30 p.m.
Once practice begins, minicamp will fall under Phase III of the NFL’s offseason workout program, so the rules will remain exactly the same as they have been for OTAs over the previous two weeks.
According to the CBA, during Phase III, no live contact is permitted, but 7-on-7, as well as 9-on-7, and 11-on-11 drills are allowed.
After minicamp concludes on Thursday, players will be off until training camp begins in late July at St. John Fisher University in the Rochester area.
