Chicago Bears kick off Phase 3 of the offseason workout program with OTAs on Monday

The 2024 NFL season continues to creep closer and closer and excitement is continuing to build inside Halas Hall surrounding the Chicago Bears.

Following rookie minicamp, the next phase of the offseason program begins today for the Bears and 19 other teams across the league.

This will be the first opportunity to see the Bears' newest stars take the field with the returning players. This includes both of the Bears two first round selections from the 2024 NFL Draft; quarterback Caleb Williams and wide receiver Rome Odunze.

Teams are allowed 10 OTA practice sessions. OTAs include on-field workouts with individual and group components, including walkthroughs, but no live contact is permitted. However, 7-on-7, 9-on-7, and 11-on-11 drills are allowed during OTAs. Helmets and pads, except protective knee and elbow pads, are not permitted.

Here's the Bears' schedule for OTA workouts:

Group One: May 20-21, 23
Group Two: May 28-29, 31
Group Three: June 4-6

While OTAs are voluntary and not every player will attend every practice session, Phase III also includes the first mandatory component of the offseason. Article 22 of the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) allows teams to hold one mandatory minicamp for both rookies and veterans during Phase III of the offseason workout program.

Plenty of open positions are still up for grabs on the Bears' 53-man roster and at various positions on the starting lineup. Players and coaches will use the next couple of days to determine who will slide into those roles.

OTAs in Chicago will also be the next step of the install process for the new offensive scheme under offensive coordinator Shane Waldron. Waldron can finally put all the pieces together with Williams set to run the offense featuring DJ Moore, Keenan Allen, Cole Kmet and the rest of the returning stars on offense.

The Bears coaching staff and front office can also begin forming a clearer picture of what moves, if any, need to be made to the roster ahead of training camp. Exciting times are on the way at Halas Hall starting this week.