John Harbaugh has a subdued reaction to Lamar Jackson being the only Ravens offensive starter missing OTAs
It’s hard not to notice the best player on the team skipping OTAs as Lamar Jackson was once again a no-show during this week’s Ravens practice. When asked about the reason behind Jackson’s continued absence, head coach John Harbaugh had a rather subdued reaction.
After Thursday’s practice, Harbaugh faced the toughest question of the day. ESPN’s Jamison Hensley asked the veteran coach, the whereabouts of the Ravens quarterback. Harbaugh did not exactly have a pre-meditated answer ready, so he had a stutter a bit.
It’s just this time of year. It’s a voluntary time. It’s not something that we comment on. So, I can’t speak for anybody that’s not here. I pretty much know the different reasons guys aren’t here most of the time, [but not always]. Nobody’s required to tell you exactly what’s going on, so I’m not [really] specifically going to be able to comment on anybody that way. John Harbaugh said
These practices are indeed voluntary, but last year’s NFL MVP not attending them doesn’t set a good example, especially for the young guys on the team. Compared to Jackson, other high-profile quarterbacks around the NFL have regularly participated in their team’s practice.
It’s rare for the 27-year-old to skip training. Last year, even after becoming the highest-paid player in the league, Jackson came to the facility almost every single day.
Why has Lamar Jackson remained absent from the Ravens OTAs?
Jackson has been around. Right after the Ravens exit in the AFC Championship game, he went back to the drawing board. He realized it was time to cut down some muscle. Last month, he revealed that he lost around 25 pounds compared to the 2022 season.
Apart from that, Jackson spent this past weekend in Charlotte, North Carolina, attending NASCAR’s Coca-Cola 600.
He also traveled to Los Angeles, before jetting off to Germany for the Preakness.
To put it simply, Lamar Jackson has been everywhere except the Ravens’ practice. Not being present for the OTAs is a slight concern because he is coming off arguably the best season of his career.
Jackson won 13 games in 2024, recording 307 completions for 3678 yards with a succession rate of career-high 67. 2%. He threw 24 passing touchdowns and just 7 interceptions. Additionally, he carried the ball 148 times for 821 yards, which is 5.5 yards per carry, and scored 5 rushing touchdowns.
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