Ravens Training Camp: Lamar Jackson Impresses, Injury Concerns for Cornerback Rock Ya-Sin
The Baltimore Ravens’ training camp is in full swing as the team prepares for the upcoming 2023-24 NFL season. Quarterback Lamar Jackson showcased his skills, while there were injury concerns surrounding cornerback Rock Ya-Sin.
On Wednesday, attendance at the training camp was a hot topic of discussion. Coach John Harbaugh decided to give some veterans the day off, which upset the younger Ravens fans who were eagerly anticipating the arrival of star wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. The young fans chanted OBJ! in anticipation, but Beckham, along with outside linebacker David Ojabo, defensive lineman Michael Pierce, and safety Geno Stone, all sat out the practice session.
According to Harbaugh, the players who were absent were engaged in different activities, such as lifting weights, running, conditioning, and providing coaching assistance to the other players.
During the practice session, cornerback Rock Ya-Sin suffered a lower body injury while defending wide receiver Shemar Bridges in one-on-one drills. Ya-Sin left the field under his own power but did not return to practice. Although the initial indication was that the injury was not serious, further evaluation is required to determine the extent of the injury.
Ya-Sin, who was drafted in the second round in 2019 and signed a one-year deal worth up to $6 million with Baltimore in May, was expected to be the starting cornerback opposite Marlon Humphrey. In Ya-Sin’s absence, Jalyn Armour-Davis, a fourth-round pick in 2022, and veteran Kevon Seymour are likely to receive more playing time with the first team. Kyu Kelly, a rookie, is the only other healthy outside cornerback on the roster.
On a positive note, Lamar Jackson had an impressive showing during practice. Although he didn’t always receive support from his receivers, Jackson displayed his athleticism and accuracy. However, he threw his first interception since the early days of camp when a pass intended for veteran Nelson Agholor bounced off his hands and was caught by Marlon Humphrey.
The connection between Jackson and wide receiver Zay Flowers continued to grow, as they connected a couple of times during a half-speed scramble drill. Jackson has been working on his short passes extensively, and the team has also been emphasizing pick plays and rub routes this training camp.
There were also some developments on the offensive line. Malaesala Aumavae-Laulu, a rookie who has been lining up with the first-team offensive line at left guard, will now share snaps with John Simpson, a fourth-round pick by the Las Vegas Raiders in 2020. The team wants to assess both players in different settings before making a final decision.
Aumavae-Laulu has garnered praise since joining the team, with head coach John Harbaugh and offensive line coach Joe D’Alessandris recognizing his work ethic and ability to adapt quickly. On the other hand, Ben Cleveland, a third-round pick in 2021, seems to be on the outside of the competition for a starting role.
As the practice progressed from one-on-one drills to full team drills, the competition between the wide receivers and defensive backs intensified. Marlon Humphrey and Nelson Agholor continued their battle, with Agholor making an impressive catch in the end zone. Safety Kyle Hamilton and tight end Mark Andrews also had their fair share of successes in one-on-one matchups.
During the practice, former Ravens special teams coach Jerry Rosburg made a return to the field in Ravens gear for the first time in almost five years. Rosburg, who served as the interim head coach for the Denver Broncos in the final two games of the previous season, was seen actively working with the special teams units.
Having joined the Ravens in 2008 and won Super Bowl XLVII with the team in 2014, Rosburg was known for leading one of the league’s best special teams units before retiring from coaching in 2019. His return to the Ravens’ training camp signifies his strong connection with the organization.
The Ravens’ training camp provided both positive and concerning developments. While Lamar Jackson showcased his skills and formed a promising connection with Zay Flowers, the injury to cornerback Rock Ya-Sin raised concerns. The team will have to evaluate their options and consider how to address the cornerback position in Ya-Sin’s potential absence.
