New England Patriots’ Offseason Workout Program Starts April 21

The New England Patriots will return to Foxboro later this month.

Phase 1 of the Patriots’ offseason workout program starts April 21, the team announced Thursday. For the first two weeks of the offseason program, players can voluntarily return to the stadium for strength and training and physical rehabilitation only. For the next three weeks of the program, players can start on-field drills “on a ‘separates’ basis.” Live contact and team offense versus team defense drills are prohibited.

The Patriots have organized team activities scheduled for May 27, May 29-30, June 2-3, June 5, June 9-10 and June 12-13. Live contact is prohibited, but 7-on-7, 9-on-9 and 11-on-11 drills are permitted.

The Patriots have mandatory minicamp from June 17 to June 19. The Patriots will hold a rookie minicamp on either the first or second weekend after the 2014 NFL draft.

Fans are not allowed to attend OTAs or minicamp sessions.

Last year, linebacker Brandon Spikes was the only Patriots player to skip OTAs. Spikes now is with the Buffalo Bills.