Just Now: Lamar Jackson just announced a devastated news about Ravens

OTAs are voluntary, but that doesn’t mean Lamar Jackson’s recent absence can’t be a problem for the Baltimore Ravens. In fact, one writer believes the franchise quarterback staying away put his team and head coach John Harbaugh in a bind.

Jackson has missed four of five public OTAs, but Harbaugh was only content to explain the absences by saying “It’s this time of year. It’s a voluntary time. It’s really not something we comment on,” per ESPN’s Jamison Hensley.

Jeff Zrebiec of The Athletic observed those evasive responses and believes that Jackson’s absence complicates matters for Harbaugh. Zrebiec stated, “Harbaugh didn’t specifically downplay Jackson’s absence, but he also isn’t going to openly disparage his franchise quarterback, who is still a two-time league MVP. Harbaugh is in a challenging situation in several aspects.

The way that handling Jackson’s absence in a different way can enrage those who have participated in optional exercises best describes that difficult situation. “For a number of reasons, including what a poor message that would send to the Ravens’ accomplished veterans who have participated in most or all of the workouts, a group that includes Derrick Henry, Mark Andrews, and Roquan Smith,” Zrebiec feels Harbaugh “certainly can’t minimize the importance of players showing up for OTAs.”

Any head coach is constantly concerned with keeping the chemistry of the squad under check. But there are more serious possible consequences for Jackson missing out on crucial practice time.