SouthernWorldwide.com – The Baltimore Ravens commenced their organized team activities (OTAs) on Tuesday without their two-time NFL MVP quarterback, Lamar Jackson.
The specific reasons for Lamar Jackson’s absence from Tuesday’s media-open practice remain undisclosed. The OTAs on Monday were closed to reporters. New Ravens coach Jesse Minter provided minimal explanation but sought to alleviate concerns regarding Jackson’s absence, expressing confidence in his imminent return.
“Lamar’s been one of our leaders of the offseason program, and he had a couple things going on yesterday and today, and I do expect him to be back soon,” Minter stated. “We’ve had some great conversations. I know when he’s going to be back and again, I’ll probably leave those between me and Lamar.”
Minter has taken over from John Harbaugh, who was let go in January following an 18-season tenure as the Ravens’ head coach. The New York Giants subsequently hired Harbaugh shortly after his departure from Baltimore.
Jackson’s attendance at voluntary offseason activities has historically been a subject of discussion due to its inconsistency throughout his NFL career. The significance of this pattern is debatable, but it is an aspect that critics have occasionally highlighted. His contract, with two years remaining, has also been a prominent topic recently, especially since he and the Ravens did not reach an extension agreement before the commencement of free agency. The Ravens opted to restructure Jackson’s deal instead, to create cap space.
The Ravens participated in a minicamp in April, which was the first under Minter’s leadership, and Jackson was present during this period.
At the conclusion of Tuesday’s OTAs, the team engaged in a lighthearted competition involving players from both offense and defense throwing medicine balls. Minter indicated that this activity is designed to prepare the team for performing optimally during critical game moments.
“We end practice every day (with an) ‘At our best when our best is needed’ period, and so that could be anything different. Today, we decided to do a little friendly competition,” Minter explained.
“Right now, you can’t really do the football competition, and so I thought it would be something different, something fun. I try to get guys to not know what’s about to happen and answer the bell when their number’s called, and it’s as simple as that. That’s really all we’re trying to get done with that and make it fun, have the guys pull for each other.”
Star running back Derrick Henry experienced a brief scare after a knee-to-knee collision with another player. Although he remained down for a short period, he later returned to practice.
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“The ground felt like a bed for a little while,” Henry commented. “And I saw you all (reporters) looking hot and bored, so I was like, ‘I need to give them something to tweet and write about.’”
