The Baltimore Ravens kicked off their mandatory minicamp on Tuesday. A three-day set of practices following three weeks of organized team activities, minicamp is like a bridge between OTAs and training camp. It’s also the first time all the players are mandated to be at the facility and ready to practice.
Though there are still a few players rehabbing their respective injuries, Baltimore got a great turnout on the first day of minicamp practice. Only four players weren’t practicing, due to injuries.
In addition to these four, defensive tackle Michael Pierce was sent off the field for poor conditioning. It’s unknown if Pierce will make an appearance the rest of minicamp at this point or if he’ll be tasked with improving his conditioning for training camp in mid-July.
First-round pick Marquise Brown is expected to hit the practice field for the first time at training camp. He’s been rehabilitating from surgery to correct a Lisfranc injury in his foot, suffered before the NFL scouting combine.
Alex Lewis suffered a torn labrum last season that required offseason surgery. However, Lewis is expected to be back fully at training camp in time to compete with James Hurst and Ben Powers for the starting left guard job.
Cornerback and punt returner Cyrus Jones was not cleared medically to practice yet, according to coach John Harbaugh. While Harbaugh didn’t go into specifics on the nature of the issue, he did say Jones would be back by training camp.
Health was one of the key things the Ravens needed to happen during minicamp. Baltimore has regularly been bitten by the injury bug in recent years and it’s helped keep the team from reaching the postseason as often. But if the early attendance at minicamp is any indication, it appears as though the Ravens are coming in strong this year.
