Baltimore Ravens Get Major Lamar Jackson Update at OTAs
Last week, the Baltimore Ravens opened OTAs without Lamar Jackson on the field, prompting immediate questions about the status of their franchise quarterback.
However, Jesse Minter never sounded concerned. The Ravens’ new head coach told reporters Jackson had communicated his absence, remained active in the offseason program, and was expected back shortly.
He even described Jackson as "one of our leaders" despite the missed voluntary work.
Turns out Minter was right not to be worried.
On Tuesday, Jackson returned to Ravens OTAs, ending the brief storyline and getting Baltimore back to business as a legitimate Super Bowl contender.
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After firing longtime head coach John Harbaugh in January 2026, the Ravens handed the keys to new head coach Jesse Minter, and he immediately got to work.
The team handed a four-year, $112 million deal to elite edge rusher Trey Hendrickson, who gives Lamar Jackson’s defense the pass-rush monster it’s been desperate for.
Since 2020, Hendrickson’s 74.5 sacks rank only behind Myles Garrett and T.J. Watt.
They also brought in new offensive coordinator Declan Doyle, who comes over from the Ben Johnson tree in Chicago to re-energize an offense that sputtered in 2025.
With Jackson back and healthy, the expectations return to their original form.
Baltimore currently sits at -115 to win the AFC North and +475 to win the AFC, according to DraftKings Sportsbook.
As for the Super Bowl, the Ravens have moved from 10-1 all the way to +950, putting them tied for the second-best odds in the league alongside the defending champion Seattle Seahawks.
Baltimore's favorable outlook is helped in part by its schedule. Sharp Football Analysis ranks the Ravens with the sixth-easiest schedule in the NFL, and sportsbooks have set their projected win total at 11.5, tied for the league lead.
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This story was originally published May 26, 2026 at 9:27 PM.