Lamar Jackson Returns to Ravens OTAs After Missing Earlier Voluntary Workouts

Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson reported to the team's organized team activities on Tuesday after missing a voluntary OTA practice a week ago.

"Lamar's been one of our leaders of the offseason program," new Baltimore head coach Jesse Minter told reporters last Tuesday. "(He had) a couple of things going on yesterday and today. Do expect him to be back soon. We've had some great conversations. Know when he's going to be back and again, I'll probably leave those (conversations) between me and Lamar."

Jackson had reported for the first day of last month's voluntary workouts, however, and has been in communication with his new coach.

Jackson wasn't alone in missing last Tuesday's workout. Rashod Bateman, Adisa Isaac, Teddye Buchanan, Travis Jones, Calais Campbell, Nnamdi Madubuike, John Jenkins, Chidobe Awuzie, Marlon Humphrey and Kyle Hamilton (who was in attendance but in street clothes) also didn't take part.

"These guys have been unbelievable," Minter told reporters at the time. "Probably our first meeting, the main topic was just about relationships and communications. The guys that had to be out for a day our two for something going on, the communication's been unbelievable. Know where everybody's back, know when they're going to be back. Just super-excited with that piece of it."

It's been quite the offseason in Baltimore.

Minter is replacing longtime head coach John Harbaugh, while the team made one of the splashiest offseason signings when it added edge-rusher Trey Hendrickson (which of course came after one of the most controversial moments of the offseason, the Ravens backing out of their agreed-upon Maxx Crosby trade). Star center Tyler Linderbaum departed, however, leaving a Pro Bowl-sized hole in the middle of the offensive line.

There are question marks regarding whether the Ravens are actually any better now than they were a season ago. So long as they have their two-time MVP under center, however, they are a threat.