Lions offseason schedule: Dates announced for OTAs, minicamp

As mentioned earlier this week, the Detroit Lions are going to open their offseason training program on April 15. This will mark the start of preparations for the 2013 season for players currently on the team.

Preparations for the 2013 season will continue over the course of May and June with organized team activities and a mandatory minicamp to bring the offseason training program to a close. We didn't have specific dates for the OTAs earlier this week, but the NFL announced them on Thursday. Here's the rundown:

OTAs

May 21-23
May 28-29
May 31
June 3-4
June 6-7

Minicamp

June 11-13

The Lions will also hold a rookie minicamp after the 2013 NFL Draft. Picks and undrafted free agents will take part in it before joining their teammates for the mandatory minicamp in June. Following practice on June 13, players will get some time off before having to return at the end of July for the start of training camp.