[ad_1]
OWINGS MILLS, Md. – Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson returned to the training ground on Saturday, participating in his first full team practice of training camp.
Jackson missed the previous 10 days of camp, which is the NFL rule for unvaccinated players who test positive. The former NFL MVP was activated from the reserve / COVID-19 roster on Friday after undergoing testing at the team’s premises that morning.
Jackson’s return comes seven days before the Ravens’ preseason opener and five weeks before their Sept. 13 opener against the Las Vegas Raiders.
“We still have plenty of time… and I think we’ve had enough,” Ravens offensive coordinator Greg Roman said this week as Jackson got into tune. “The most important thing is to keep him healthy, to do it well and to make sure he’s in the right place.”
It was the second time in eight months that Jackson had tested positive for the coronavirus. Maryland Governor Larry Hogan urged Jackson to get the vaccine on Wednesday. The only other Ravens player to make the reserve / COVID-19 roster this year was running back Gus Edwards, who returned on Friday.
After missing the full squad’s first eight practices, Jackson is looking to gain chemistry with his new receivers and a rebuilt offensive line. To improve the NFL’s No. 32 passing offense, Baltimore added wide receiver Sammy Watkins and free agency guard Kevin Zeitler and drafted wide receiver Rashod Bateman in the first round.
Roman said the team have a plan for Jackson to catch up with the rest of the offense.
“The train has already left the station,” Roman said. “It’s going to be a bit of a game of, ‘We’re on schedule, but these are some things that we have to achieve. So, let’s do it. [It’s] very realistic. “
Jackson’s return is desperately needed for the Ravens’ offense, which has struggled mightily this week against defense. Backup quarterbacks Trace McSorley and Tyler Huntley were under relentless pressure, and Huntley was knocked out three times on Wednesday.
Even with Jackson back, the Ravens’ offense is not complete. Offensive tackle Ronnie Stanley (ankle) and tight end Nick Boyle (knee) are on the list physically unable to perform. Wide receivers Bateman (abdominal), Marquise “Hollywood” Brown (hamstrings) and Miles Boykin (hamstrings), as well as Zeitler (foot), missed several practices this week with injuries.
Jackson has no plans to speak to reporters after practice.
[ad_2]
Source link