Lamar Jackson Skips Practice, but Ravens Coach Isn't Concerned
Lamar Jackson's absence from a voluntary Ravens practice has raised minimal concern from new coach Jesse Minter, who expects the quarterback to return soon amid ongoing contract discussions.
Lamar Jackson was absent from a voluntary practice Tuesday for the Baltimore Ravens, a move that typically triggers concern around the franchise. New coach Jesse Minter, however, shrugged it off.
"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 said, replacing John Harbaugh after last season. "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."
Jackson's spotty attendance at OTAs has been a consistent pattern throughout his career—a detail critics have seized on repeatedly. His contract situation adds another layer of intrigue: two years remain on his deal, and the quarterback and Ravens failed to reach an extension agreement before free agency opened. Baltimore instead restructured his contract to free up salary cap space.
Jackson did attend Minter's first minicamp last month, though that session was closed to reporters.
Medicine Ball Competitions and Clutch Performance
Tuesday's open practice in Owings Mills gave observers their first glimpse of Minter's approach in a real setting. The coach wrapped up with an unconventional competition—an offense-versus-defense medicine ball throwing game.
Minter framed the exercise as part of a larger philosophy: preparing players to excel in critical moments, an area where the Ravens have faltered in recent years.
"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. 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."
Henry Shakes Off Collision
Running back Derrick Henry briefly alarmed the coaching staff when he collided knees with another player and remained on the ground. He returned to full participation shortly after.
"The ground felt like a bed for a little while," Henry joked. "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.'"
Reporting by the Associated Press
