OWINGS MILLS — Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson tossed the ball to an assistant coach, and then ran down the field and caught a pass down the sideline, sending the crowd at training camp into a frenzy on Saturday.
After missing four of the past five days of practice, Jackson was back on the field and did not show any ill effects of the illness that sidelined him for most of the week. He made several key throws and was effective in running the offense.
Jackson is entering his second year with offensive coordinator Todd Monken, so there is plenty of work to execute an enhanced playbook. However, the coaches were not overly concerned about Jackson’s absences at the start of camp because there is still plenty of time to prepare before the regular-season opener against the Kansas City Chiefs on September 5th.
Still, coach John Harbaugh was relieved to have Jackson back at training camp. The two-time MVP quarterback brings a new energy into practice.
“I thought he did really well, especially considering he had to come back from being sick,” Harbaugh said about Jackson. “He looked good. He had a lot of energy. I know he worked really hard to get out here and he worked really hard to make sure he was ready to put his best foot forward. I was really happy about it.”
The key for Jackson is to get his timing down with his wide receivers, who looked solid during the early part of training camp.
Second-year wideout Zay Flowers, who was not at practice on Saturday to attend a wedding, has appeared quicker and more effective with his yards after catch. Rashod Bateman is expected to have a strong season after a contract extension and has played well in camp. Veteran wide receiver Nelson Agholor also has been consistent in catching the ball. Rookie Devontez Walker also could be playing his way into the rotation at wide receiver because of his performance.
On Saturday, Jackson orchestrated a 60-yard scoring drive in the hurry-up drill, capped by a touchdown pass to Agholor. Jackson did throw an interception to cornerback Marlon Humphrey, who is another having a solid camp.
Monken is confident Jackson will be able to provide all of those wideouts an opportunity to make plays despite missing some time this past week.
“I mean we had all offseason – Lamar was a part of that in our offseason,” Monken said. “But it was great for the other quarterbacks to get the work. That’s a part of it, so it’s great having him back today, but I don’t feel behind. We didn’t stop – we still installed, we’re still going through the installs.”
Injury update: Cornerback Trayvon Mullen had to leave practice on a cart with an undisclosed injury. Harbaugh said that Mullen was dealing with a shoulder injury and his status is uncertain.
Other absences; In addition to Flowers, linebackers Joe Evans, Yvandy Rigby, and Kyle Van Noy did not practice. Kicker Justin Tucker also was absent to attend the funeral of former teammate Jacoby Jones.
Schedule: The players have off Sunday but will report to work on Monday for practice at 1:20 p.m.
