The Baltimore Ravens held their first organized team activities under new head coach Jesse Minter on Tuesday, but two-time NFL MVP Lamar Jackson was not on the field.
Minter, who replaced the fired John Harbaugh, offered little explanation for Jackson's absence but downplayed any concern. "Lamar’s been one of our leaders of the offseason program," Minter said. "I do expect him to be back soon."
Jackson's attendance at voluntary workouts has been inconsistent throughout his career, and contract negotiations have been a lingering topic. The Ravens restructured his deal to create cap space this offseason rather than agreeing to a long-term extension.
Jackson did attend the team's minicamp in April. Tuesday's session also featured a minor injury scare for star running back Derrick Henry after a knee-to-knee collision. Henry returned to practice and joked the fall gave reporters something to write about.