OWINGS MILLS, Md. (AP) 鈥� Lamar Jackson was absent from a voluntary practice for the Baltimore Ravens, and that usually raises eyebrows.
New coach Jesse Minter didn’t seem to be sweating it.
鈥淟amar鈥檚 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,” said Minter, who replaced John Harbaugh after last season. “We鈥檝e had some great conversations. I know when he鈥檚 going to be back and again, I鈥檒l probably leave those between me and Lamar.鈥�
Jackson’s attendance at these types of OTAs has been sporadic over the years. It’s hard to say how much that matters, but it’s certainly an issue critics have pointed to from time to time. His contract, with two years remaining, has also been a significant topic lately after he and the Ravens did not agree to an extension before the start of free agency. Baltimore instead to create cap space.
Jackson was at Minter’s with the Ravens last month.
That camp wasn’t open to reporters, but Tuesday’s OTA was, and it offered a chance to see how the new coach handled practice on a hot day in Owings Mills. At the end, the team took part in a little game in which players from the offense and defense competed at throwing medicine balls.
Minter said that’s part of preparing the team to play well in the most important moments, something the Ravens have struggled with the past few years.
鈥淲e end practice every day (with an) 鈥楢t our best when our best is needed鈥� period, and so that could be anything different. Today, we decided to do a little friendly competition,鈥� Minter said. 鈥淩ight now, you can鈥檛 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鈥檚 about to happen and answer the bell when their number鈥檚 called, and it鈥檚 as simple as that. That鈥檚 really all we鈥檙e trying to get done with that and make it fun, have the guys pull for each other.鈥�
Earlier, there was a scary moment when running back Derrick Henry banged knees with another player and stayed down on the ground for a bit. He was able to resume practicing shortly thereafter.
鈥淭he ground felt like a bed for a little while,鈥� he said. “And I saw you all (reporters) looking hot and bored, so I was like, 鈥業 need to give them something to tweet and write about.鈥欌��
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