Ravens' Mark Andrews: Lamar Jackson 'extremely motivated' despite OTA absences
Eyes were raised earlier on Wednesday when it was learned that Baltimore Ravens star quarterback Lamar Jackson was absent for the start of organized team activities this week.
Ravens head coach John Harbaugh later remarked that Jackson, who is on track to spend the 2022 season on the fifth-year option attached to his rookie contract, would have to "speak for himself" regarding his decision ahead of the Memorial Day holiday.
Baltimore tight end Mark Andrews didn't sound too concerned.
According to Jamison Hensley of ESPN, Andrews told reporters he's spoken with Jackson and knows the 2019 NFL Most Valuable Player is getting work in while away from the team's voluntary sessions.
"He's extremely motivated and extremely hungry," Andrews said of his QB1. "So there's no worries over there. I know what he's doing and we're all working and doing our job here and getting ready for him. We'll be ready to go and I'm confident that he's going to be ready and show everybody what he's got and the type of hunger he has right now."
Jackson indicated on Tuesday he plans to attend Baltimore's mandatory minicamp scheduled for June 14 through June 16. The 25-year-old also seemed to take a shot at some critics:
Meanwhile, Ravens cornerback Marlon Humphrey made it clear he'd start to get worried only if Jackson remained away from the team through the start of training camp.
"I think as long as guys are working, no matter where they are, that's the biggest key," Humphrey explained. "I spoke with Lamar earlier in the offseason. He said he will be coming in soon."
If Jackson and the Ravens fail to come to terms on an extension, the club can retain his rights for at least the 2023 season via the franchise tag.
Jackson suffered an ankle injury on Dec. 12 that cost him the final four games of the 2021 campaign. He assured fans in January he was concentrating on "getting back right, right now, and getting ready for this offseason" at that time. He also said he "wanted to play" over the season's last month but was prevented from doing so by the Ravens.
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