OWINGS MILLS — Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson was not at the team’s Organized Team Activities this week.
Coach John Harbaugh is not allowed to shed much light on the absence.
Jackson, a two-time NFL MVP, has missed four of the five voluntary workouts.
“It’s just this time of year. It’s a voluntary time,” Harbaugh said. “It’s really not something that we comment on. We can’t, and that’s just the time of year it is. 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. But the guys who were here were great, flying around, and those are the guys we had a great time coaching.”
When asked whether Jackson might practice at next week’s OTAs, Harbaugh replied: “It’s just not something that I’m able to comment on. So, I don’t know. We’ll see what happens.”
Other notable players who were not on the field during Thursday’s session that was open to the media included: defensive tackle Michael Pierce, tight end Mark Andrews, and defensive tackle Justin Madubuike, cornerbacks Arthur Maulet and Marlon Humphrey, safety Kyle Hamilton, running back Derrick Henry, safety Marcus Williams, running back Justice Hill, rookie linebacker Adisa Isaac and outside linebacker Kyle Van Noy.
On the field, rookie running back Rasheen Ali had a busy day carrying the ball and showed explosiveness out of the backfield.
Inside linebacker Trenton Simpson continued to shine and appears ready to make an impact in his second year. Simspon has been especially effective in pass coverage.
Tight end Charlie Kolar had several long receptions when he ran past his defender. Fellow tight end Isaiah Likely also had another solid practice catching the ball.
Cornerback Demarion Williams had an interception and could have had another off a deflection, but he ran into Simpson.
Rookie safety Sanoussi Kane also had an interception and appears to be getting acclimated to the defense.
Wide receiver Nelson Agholor was practicing after a brief absence.
“Really good practice – guys were high energy, into it, focused,” Harbaugh said. “The speed was good.”
The Ravens have four OTAs next week and mandatory minicamp is set from June 11th to 13th.