Baltimore Ravens 2024 training camp Day 1 observations: Lamar Jackson out, Oweh starts hot

The first training camp practice for the Baltimore Ravens has concluded after 90 minutes. Most notably, quarterback Lamar Jackson was absent, dealing with illness. Head Coach John Harbaugh did not put a timetable on Jackson’s return, stating he’ll return when he’s healthy.

Attendance/Injury

1. QB Lamar Jackson (illness)
2. RB Keaton Mitchell (PUP)
3. OLB Adisa Isaac (NFI) (Hamstring)
4. LB Yvandy Rigby (undisclosed)
5. CB T.J. Tampa Jr. (PUP) (sports hernia)
6. DB Jordan Toles (waived)

New addition, safety Eddie Jackson did participate in today’s practice and received a fair amount of reps.

Nickel Impact

It’s well-known safety Kyle Hamilton floats around the field and makes an impact wherever he plays. Last season, he was most utilized in the slot, playing 403 of his 936 snaps from the slot. But another impact player from the slot emerged last season and has carried over into the 2024 offseason as cornerback Arthur Maulet continues to make plays. Throughout the offseason workouts, Maulet generated a forced fumble and fumble recovery on Zay Flowers. He intercepted Jackson and added another three pass breakups. On the first day of training camp he intercepted a bobbled pass from Josh Johnson to wide receiver Malik Cunningham.

If he continues to dominate in the slot, the Ravens will need to find a way to keep both Maulet and Hamilton on the field, including Hamilton playing more in dime packages and roaming elsewhere.

Oweh Starts Off Hot

Seemingly each training camp, outside linebacker Odafe Oweh shows up and shows up. IN the first practice, Oweh was repeatedly in the backfield, gashing through on both the outside and inside against left tackle Ronnie Stanley. The Ravens are betting on the younger pass rushers to step up after the loss of Jadeveon Clowney. Oweh is the first in line to become their next explosive edge rusher opposite veteran Kyle Van Noy.

Offensive Play of the Day

With Jackson out and today featuring install and structure than anything else, it was a lighter practice. That didn’t stop rookie quarterback Devin Leary from airing a ball out deep to wide receiver Dayton Wade, who reeled in the deep ball for a 45-yard gain against cornerback Bump Cooper Jr. The reception garnered the biggest cheers of the practice.