OWINGS MILLS, Md. — Ravens first-round rookie Zay Flowers was among the notable absences for the final day of voluntary organized team activities open to reporters on Tuesday.
The good news is the speedy wide receiver is only dealing with “kind of a tweak, soft-tissue thing” and is expected to be back on the practice field for next week’s mandatory minicamp, according to head coach John Harbaugh. With Flowers sidelined and projected starters Odell Beckham Jr. and Rashod Bateman also absent on Tuesday, the Ravens were shorthanded at wide receiver, which could help explain the signing of former first-round pick Laquon Treadwell.
The 23rd pick out of Ole Miss in 2016, the 6-foot-2, 215-pound Treadwell didn’t live up to early-career hype in Minnesota and spent time with four different teams in 2022. He appeared in six games for Seattle last season, making six receptions for 42 yards. Treadwell’s best season came in 2021 when he caught 33 passes for 434 yards and one touchdown for Jacksonville.
“We knew a little bit, but we’ve never been around him. Really a determined guy — wants to be really good,” Harbaugh said. “Physical practice, worked hard in the workout. He came out here and pretty much knew what he was doing after getting here less than 24 hours ago. He didn’t make a mistake out there. I think that says a lot about who he is.
“He’ll be in the mix. We’ll let him compete and see how he does.”
Running back Gus Edwards hasn’t been taking part in spring practices, but he’s been present and working on a side field during each of the OTA sessions open to reporters. Of course, the sixth-year running back missed the entire 2021 campaign with a torn ACL that kept him out of action until late October last season. Edwards also missed two games in November with a hamstring injury.
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In nine regular-season games, the 6-foot-1, 238-pound back rushed for 433 yards and and three touchdowns and averaged 5.0 yards per carry. He is entering the final year of his contract and has averaged 5.0 yards per carry in each of his four seasons played in the NFL.
“Minicamp, partially ready, I’m hearing. Training camp, he’s supposed to be fully ready,” said Harbaugh, who didn’t specify whether Edwards underwent any additional procedures this offseason. “Yes, he just wasn’t quite ready to get back out and practice yet — no setback. Maybe [the training staff is] being a little cautious, but that’s what they’re doing.”
Top running back J.K. Dobbins hasn’t been present for voluntary spring workouts and generated headlines last week with a few tweets pondering his future with the organization. The 2020 second-round pick out of Ohio State is scheduled to become a free agent next offseason and has averaged 5.9 yards per carry in his career, but he’s also missed 26 games over the last two years since suffering a multi-ligament knee injury in the 2021 preseason.
Taking Dobbins’ message in stride, Harbaugh said he “would probably agree” with the fourth-year running back’s overall message.
“We want him back, but who knows the future? Nobody knows the future,” Harbaugh said. “If somebody can tell me whether J.K. is going to be back next year, I’d like to know — if you’re certain about it. But who knows anything about anything? I know J.K., when he gets back here, he’ll be determined [and] excited. He will work hard. His energy will be high. I know he’ll be in great shape because I know who he is as a person, and I expect great things out of him this year.”
