The Baltimore Ravens are in the midst of their organized team activities. It’s the first time all the players are able to hit the field with one another and begin getting coaching from the staff. However, the Ravens are missing quite a few players
According to ESPN’s Jamison Hensley, Baltimore had 13 players absent on the first day media were able to watch practice.
While OTAs are voluntary, it’s usually better to see full attendance and everyone on the field getting in some early training. This time during OTAs is when players can get closer to game shape ahead of training camp. Considering the Ravens have been wracked with injuries in recent years, it would be nice to see more of the veterans at practice. However, some absences could be down to rehabilitating previous injuries.
According to Hensley, Baltimore was missing eight starters in linebacker Matthew Judon, safeties Earl Thomas and Tony Jefferson, defensive linemen Michael Pierce and Brandon Williams, cornerback Jimmy Smith, and offensive guards Marshal Yanda and Alex Lewis. Luke Jones of WNST noted Jefferson was on the sideline in street clothes, however.
Among those not present on the field were running back Kenneth Dixon and rookie wide receiver Marquise Brown. Dixon currently has an uphill battle to make the 53-man roster in a now-crowded running back depth chart. Brown has been rehabilitating from his Lisfranc surgery and is expected to be back on the field in time for training camp, according to general manager Eric DeCosta.
With three more OTA practices left in May, time will tell if some of the previous absences make appearances or if players completely skip them.
