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The Baltimore Ravens were without their two-time NFL MVP quarterback when Tuesday’s organized team activities (OTAs) began.
It remains unclear why Lamar Jackson was absent from Tuesday’s media practice. Monday’s voluntary OTAs were closed to journalists. New Ravens coach Jesse Minter offered little explanation but downplayed concerns about Jackson’s absence and suggested the star quarterback would return soon.
“Lamar has been one of our leaders in the offseason program, and he had a few things happen yesterday and today, and I expect him to be back soon,” Minter said. “We’ve had some really good conversations. I know when he comes back, I’ll probably leave the ones between me and Lamar.”
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Lamar Jackson of the Baltimore Ravens watches the NFL preseason game against the Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium in Landover, Maryland on August 23, 2025. (Greg Fiume/Getty Images)
Minter replaced John Harbaugh, who was fired in January after 18 seasons as Ravens head coach. The New York Giants hired Harbaugh shortly after he left Baltimore.
Jackson’s voluntary participation in offseason activities has drawn attention due to his inconsistency throughout his NFL career. It’s hard to say how much this matters, but it’s certainly an issue highlighted by critics from time to time. His contract, with two years remaining, has also been a big topic lately after he and the Ravens failed to agree on an extension before free agency began. Baltimore instead restructured Jackson’s deal to create cap space.
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The Ravens held a minicamp in April – the first under Minter – and Jackson was in attendance.
At the end of Tuesday’s OTAs, the team participated in a short game in which players from the offense and defense competed tossing medicine balls. Minter said it was part of preparing the team to play well in the biggest moments.
Jesse Minter, new head coach of the Baltimore Ravens, is introduced during a press conference at the Under Armor Performance Center in Owings Mills, Maryland on January 29, 2026. (Rob Carr/Getty Images)
“We end practice every day (with) a ‘At our best when we need our best’ period, and so it might be different. Today we decided to have a little friendly competition,” Minter said.
“Right now we can’t really compete in football, so I thought it would be something different, something fun. I’m trying to make the guys not know what’s going to happen and answer the bell when their number is called, and it’s as simple as that. That’s really all we’re trying to do with it and make it fun, have the guys help each other out.”
Lamar Jackson of the Baltimore Ravens warms up before the game against the New England Patriots at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore, Maryland on December 21, 2025. (Kevin Sabitus/Getty Images)
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Star running back Derrick Henry caused a brief scare after a knee-to-knee collision with another player. Although he remained on the ground momentarily, he later returned to training.
“The floor was like a bed for a little while,” he said. “And I saw you all (the journalists) looking sexy and bored, so I was like, ‘I have to give them something to tweet and write about.'”
