Lamar Jackson absent from Ravens OTA as new coach Jesse Minter downplays voluntary practice skip
Ravens Coach Addresses Quarterback Absence From Early Workouts
The Baltimore Ravens opened their media-open organized team activities session on Tuesday without quarterback Lamar Jackson. New head coach Jesse Minter said Jackson had other commitments the previous day and expected him to return soon. Minter described the two-time MVP as a leader in the offseason program and noted that he knew the quarterback’s return schedule.
Minter replaced John Harbaugh, who was dismissed in January after 18 seasons with the club. The voluntary workouts drew attention because of Jackson’s past pattern of inconsistent attendance at such sessions. His contract, restructured earlier to manage salary cap space, has remained a topic of discussion since no long-term extension was reached before free agency.
The Ravens had held their first minicamp under Minter in April, and Jackson participated in those sessions. At the end of Tuesday’s practice the team held a medicine-ball competition between offense and defense players as part of an effort to prepare for critical moments. Running back Derrick Henry briefly stayed down after a knee-to-knee collision but later returned to the field.
Minter said the daily closing period is meant to build the habit of answering when unexpected situations arise. He kept details of his conversations with Jackson private while confirming the quarterback would be back in the near future.
