Lamar Jackson is not attending the Ravens’ voluntary OTAs as Baltimore prepares for the 2026-27 season under new head coach Jesse Minter, but Minter says Jackson has still led the offseason and is expected back soon without sharing the reason for his absence.
The Baltimore Ravens’ OTAs are underway, but one familiar face isn’t in the building yet.
Lamar Jackson has not been attending voluntary OTA sessions so far as the team prepares for the 2026-27 season under new head coach Jesse Minter. When asked about Jackson’s absence, Minter didn’t frame it as a disruption. Instead, he insisted the quarterback has continued to be a leader for the organization through the offseason.
“Lamar’s been one of our leaders of the offseason program,” Minter said. “He’s got a couple of things going on yesterday and today. I do expect him to be back soon. We’ve had some great conversations. [I] know when he’s gonna be back, and again, I’ll probably leave [the reason why] between me and Lamar.”.
Minter confirmed that Jackson did not attend Tuesday’s voluntary OTA, while also making clear he expects him to return soon. He also said he knows when Jackson will come back and would keep the specific reason private, describing “great conversations” with Jackson in the meantime.
The timing sits in a context that matters to the building. OTAs are voluntary, and the eight-year veteran does not have to be there right now. But with Minter—43 years old and stepping into his first season as head coach—running a new-look offseason. having a two-time MVP present would be an obvious advantage. Minter, though, sounded unconcerned.
Jackson’s recent history may be part of why the situation doesn’t feel alarming inside the program. He’s coming off a frustrating 2025-26 campaign in which he played only 13 games due to a string of lower-body injuries. a back injury. and illness. The Ravens also missed the playoffs last season. Jackson has reached the postseason in five of his eight seasons in the NFL. but the 2025-26 run ended without that springboard.
Even so, the offseason absence isn’t the whole story of what’s on the resume. Jackson finished the 2025-26 season with 2,549 passing yards, 349 rushing yards—his career-low—and 23 total touchdowns (21 passing, 2 rushing). His passing efficiency also left room for improvement: he completed 63.6% of his pass attempts. the third worst mark of his career.
With the new head coach asking players to fall in line early. the question for Ravens fans is simple: what does “soon” look like. and whether Jackson’s return changes how quickly the offense can sync up under Minter’s guidance. For now. Minter’s message is clear—Jackson isn’t on the field. but he’s still part of the offseason leadership the team is trying to build.
Lamar Jackson Baltimore Ravens Jesse Minter OTAs 2026-27 season NFL news