With the Ravens conducting their first full-team workout of training camp on Sunday afternoon, I’ve offered a dozen thoughts, each in 50 words or less:
1. Though Lamar Jackson missing practice with an illness doesn’t even register a blip on the concern radar 6 1/2 weeks before the opener, his absence always zaps the energy level, especially for fans attending. Even if Jackson isn’t back at practice by Monday, John Harbaugh certainly didn’t sound fazed.
2. As was the case for a large chunk of spring workouts, Josh Johnson getting so many first-team reps should give Harbaugh and Todd Monken a better idea of how much he can do as the No. 2 quarterback. That’s helpful with someone who’s started just two NFL games since 2018.
3. Of course, we’re still in the ramp-up period before the pads go on and the intensity picks up. Sunday’s practice lasted roughly 90 minutes and included plenty of rotating on the offensive line. Veteran newcomer Josh Jones had a couple pre-snap penalties and had to run as a result.
4. Not only did former two-time Pro Bowl safety Eddie Jackson officially sign his contract Sunday, but he even took some 11-on-11 reps. With Roquan Smith having teamed with him in Chicago, the 30-year-old should be a good fit for Baltimore’s No. 3 safety spot, making the secondary even more versatile.
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5. As expected, Kyle Hamilton was back on the field without any apparent limitations returning from elbow surgery. With Eddie Jackson in the fold, Zach Orr should be able to deploy Hamilton at the nickel or dime with the latter package potentially being in play more frequently following Patrick Queen’s departure.
6. Speaking of returns, Marlon Humphrey appears a little leaner and “looked great” in practice, per Harbaugh. It’s no secret this is a pivotal season for the 28-year-old. His lack of availability was much more concerning than his actual performance last year, but he obviously needs to stay on the field.
7. Sunday’s on-field highlights were pedestrian, but undrafted rookie receiver Dayton Wade pulled in a deep ball from sixth-round pick Devin Leary for a long completion. The 5-foot-9 Wade flashed some in the spring, so we’ll see if he can put himself in the roster conversation in the coming weeks.
8. The team’s brass is quick not to let you forget Arthur Maulet in a deep secondary, and the veteran slot corner intercepted a Johnson pass that deflected off the hands of Malik Cunningham. Maulet’s presence is further reason to use more dime packages this season.
9. Despite missing spring workouts, Deonte Harty remains the favorite to be Baltimore’s return specialist. There’s much curiosity about the new kickoff structure, so we’ll see if Harty can be a difference maker there, especially if Justice Hill remains the No. 2 running back behind Derrick Henry.
10. T.J. Tampa is on the physically unable to perform list after undergoing sports hernia surgery. The fourth-round pick’s future remains promising, but missing so many spring and summer reps isn’t going to help his quest to see meaningful action as a rookie, especially in a crowded secondary.
11. Meanwhile, Adisa Isaac is on the non-football injury list while still rehabbing from a hamstring injury. The third-round rookie’s extended absence makes it even more important for David Ojabo — who saw some full-team reps Sunday — to stay healthy and develop into a real pass-rushing factor.
12. To make roster room for Eddie Jackson, the Ravens waived undrafted rookie safety Jordan Toles. I thought the Morgan State product and Baltimore native had a solid spring, which reiterates how little these practice observations mean. It’s also an obvious reminder that I’m no Eric DeCosta or Ozzie Newsome.
