Quarterback Lamar Jackson and the Ravens took another step toward putting on the pads Tuesday with the first practice of their two-day mandatory minicamp.
Returning to the field for the first time since Week 1 of organized team activities, Jackson looked crisp from the jump. He connected with tight end Mark Andrews on several throws over the middle and further established chemistry with new wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins.
For Jackson, going to work is better than having time off.
"You want to know the best thing I did [during the offseason]? I came here today," Jackson said. "I was out here training with my guys, working hard. I felt like we got better today."
Here are other notes from Tuesday's practice:
- Hopkins had a one-handed sliding catch on a short pass from Jackson in 11-on-11 drills. Jackson said, "He caught the ball so smooth. He got up. I don't even think he put his other hand on the ground to get up. … That's some super-vet stuff."
- Jackson connected with Andrews for a big completion on a seven-on-seven play, lofting a pass over Trenton Simpson's head and finding Andrews for roughly a 20-yard gain.
- Simpson returned the favor later in seven-on-seven work, picking off Jackson on a pass over the middle. Fellow inside linebacker Jake Hummel also nearly had a pick during seven-on-seven work, as the inside linebackers showed off their pass coverage.
- Safety Beau Brade and cornerback Chidobe Awuzie both returned to practice after suffering what Head Coach John Harbaugh described as minor ankle injuries at organized team activities. Awuzie's ankle didn't seem to slow him down, as he participated in 11-on-11 work and had a diving pass breakup on a throw from Cooper Rush. The veteran free-agent addition also blew up a run play in the backfield.
- T.J. Tampa had a leaping interception in the back of the end zone, bobbling and holding onto the ball while keeping his feet in bounds.
- After coming away with two interceptions in OTAs, undrafted rookie cornerback Reuben Lowery had another takeaway in seven-on-seven drills, ripping the ball away from wide receiver Dayton Wade on a pass down the left sideline.
- Undrafted safety Desmond Igbinosun also snagged an interception after a pass-catcher let the ball slip through his hands over the middle.
- Wade caught several passes throughout the day, including a sideline touchdown grab in 11-on-11 work.
- Rookie insider linebacker Teddye Buchanan broke up a pass over the middle in seven-on-seven drills.
- Malik Cunningham made a one-handed grab in the flat on a rollout pass from Rush.
- Devin Leary made a nice throw over Devontez Walker's outside shoulder for a big 20-25-yard gain down the sideline.
- Defensive tackle Nnamdi Madubuike flashed several times in the backfield and had a pass breakup at the line of scrimmage. Broderick Washington also had what would have been a sack.
- Odafe Oweh made an athletic play on a fake rollout, keeping his balance to take away the passing lane but also closing in on a juking Jackson for what would have been a sack. Even now 20 pounds heavier, Oweh still looked nimble.
