Ravens Begin OTAs Without Lamar Jackson

When organized team activities started on Tuesday, the Baltimore Ravens found themselves without their two-time NFL MVP quarterback, Lamar Jackson.

It’s unclear why Jackson was absent from the media practice. Monday’s OTA, which was voluntary, was closed to journalists. New head coach Jesse Minter didn’t provide many details but seemed to downplay worries about Jackson’s absence, hinting that the quarterback would return soon.

“Lamar has been one of the leaders in our offseason program,” Minter mentioned. “There were some things yesterday and today. I expect him back soon. We’ve had some great conversations. I know when he’ll be back, but I’ll probably keep that between me and Lamar.”

Minter recently took over the Ravens’ coaching position after John Harbaugh was let go in January, having been at the helm for 18 seasons. Harbaugh was later hired by the New York Giants.

Jackson’s participation in the offseason activities has been a topic of attention, especially considering his inconsistency across his NFL career, which raises questions about its significance. His contract, which still has two years left, has generated a lot of discussion lately. The Ravens and Jackson failed to come to an agreement on an extension before the start of free agency, leading to a restructuring of his contract to create some salary cap space.

The first minicamp under coach Minter took place in April, and Jackson was present.

At the conclusion of Tuesday’s OTAs, the team engaged in a friendly competition involving offensive and defensive players and a medicine ball. Minter stated that this was part of their strategy to prepare for crucial moments in games.

“We end each day of practice with a ‘do your best when you need your best’ period,” Minter explained. “It’s important to keep it fun and to challenge the players in a way that helps them grow as a team.”

In other news, star running back Derrick Henry experienced a knee-to-knee collision during practice, which caused a momentary scare. After taking a short break, he rejoined the training session.

“For a while, the ground felt like a bed,” he commented. “And I noticed that you guys were hot and bored, so I thought, ‘I’ve got to give them something to tweet and write about.’”