June 10, 2025 — NFL Cities Nationwide — As spring training turns full throttle, 30 of the 32 NFL clubs launched their three-day mandatory minicamps this week. These sessions, the only non-voluntary gatherings in the offseason, are critical checkpoints for roster building, conditioning, and team chemistry.
Who’s On the Field?
- The New England Patriots started early, kicking off Monday’s camp with full participation, including everyone physically able—veterans and rookies in the mix.
- The Washington Commanders also went live Tuesday, spotlighting developing players like Ben Sinnott and Luke McCaffrey. Meanwhile, star receiver Terry McLaurin remained absent amid his ongoing contract negotiations.
- Teams like the Jets, Texans, Colts, and Bengals joined the wave this week, regrouping ahead of their three-day sessions.
- The Chicago Bears and Detroit Lions opted out this week—Bears already held theirs, and the Lions are skipping ahead to an early training camp.
What’s at Stake?
- Fines & Accountability – Players skipping without a valid excuse face penalties ranging from $17,462 per day, totaling over $104,000 for a full miss.
- Contract & Trade Implications – James Cook of the Bills and Jalen Ramsey of the Dolphins remained absent amid contract discussions and trade chatter.
- Injury Updates – Keep an eye on Micah Parsons with the Cowboys and C.J. Stroud with the Texans—all slated to attend amid injury concerns.
- Position Battles/Learning Curves – Pistons like Drake Maye (Patriots), Daniel Jones (Colts), and Justin Fields (Jets) are under scrutiny as leadership dynamics continue to shift.
Why It Matters
Even without pads or tackles, these minicamps reveal subtle progress. Players demonstrate familiarity with playbooks and new coaches, rookies show their transition to pro time, and contract issues or absences can signal rumblings beneath the surface before training camps commence .
In summary: Mandatory minicamp week is as much about professionalism, readiness, and control as on-field practice. Teams are tightening up rosters, evaluating talent, and laying the groundwork for crucial preseason training—every sidestep and stand-in matters in the countdown to September.
Information from NBC Sports’ “It’s mandatory minicamp week for 30 NFL teams,” NFL.com’s “24 NFL teams open mandatory minicamp on Tuesday,” and Washington Post’s coverage of Commanders minicamp was used in this article.
