As Ravens tight end Isaiah Likely put it, a strong attendance for the first open practice of organized team activities is a credit to the sour taste leftover from their playoff loss in Buffalo and the joy that comes with getting back on the field.

But having quarterback Lamar Jackson taking reps at the Owings Mills facility on Wednesday heightened that May football energy to a new level.

“Having one of your leaders — really your top dog — out there showing that he’s ready to get back to work,” Likely said of the two-time NFL Most Valuable Player.

It’s a heel turn from this time last year, when Jackson was absent for a majority of the offseason’s voluntary practices.

That reportedly cost Baltimore’s franchise quarterback his summer workout bonus of $750,000. NBC Sports reported that Jackson must complete at least 80% of the team’s optional workouts for the bonus to kick in, which is inked into his contract through 2027.

Jackson was not made available to speak with reporters after Wednesday’s practice, but his coach was impressed with what he saw.

“He works hard at it. It means a lot to him,” John Harbaugh said. “He’s been studying. He’s been training. You can tell what kind of shape he’s in right now, you can see by the way he threw the ball today. He’s on point with the offense. He’s ready. He’s ready to get going. Had a heck of a day today. I think what you saw today with him is probably indicative of everybody.”

Added tight end Mark Andrews: “There’s no one more hungry than Lamar. … Just being around him, it’s infectious. How driven he is and how focused he is on the end goal.”

The Ravens had a surprisingly strong showing at the first open OTA session. Baltimore has eight more scheduled practices over the next two weeks before holding mandatory minicamp in June and training camp in July.

Safety Ar’Darius Washington (torn Achilles tendon) and rookie offensive lineman Emery Jones Jr. (labrum) were expected injury-related absences. A pair of offseason additions did not participate: Cornerback Chidobe Awuzie and linebacker Jake Hummel.

Veteran outside linebacker Kyle Van Noy and right guard Daniel Faalele were also missing. Harbaugh said that Faalele is “working on some physical things” but should be back on the field soon.

Around the horn

Washington, who suffered a clean Achilles tear earlier this month, told Harbaugh that he intends to be back on the field by November. “He’s always been a quick healer,” Harbaugh said. “I’m looking at November (or) December, in my mind.” Washington, 25, last month signed the less expensive, $3.3 million one-year tender to stay in Baltimore.

Rookie Tyler Loop did not kick on Wednesday as part of an alternating day off with undrafted free agent John Hoyland. Harbaugh reiterated that the organization’s decision to release veteran Justin Tucker was a “many-layered decision” and a “football decision.” Tucker was accused of sexual misconduct by more than a dozen Baltimore-area massage therapists and is currently under investigation by the NFL.

Edge rusher Odafe Oweh said a “nasty” offseason diet of dry chicken, Brussels sprouts and asparagus helped bulk up from 245 pounds last season to now around 265. The 2021 first-round draft pick is entering the final year of his rookie contract.

The Ravens are working to schedule joint practices with the Indianapolis Colts and Washington Commanders, two of three opponents on their preseason schedule. Baltimore announced that its preseason finale at Washington will be Saturday, Aug. 23, at noon.

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