Ravens RB J.K. Dobbins absent from first minicamp practice

The intrigue around Ravens running back J.K. Dobbins deepened Tuesday when he was absent from the team’ s first practice of mandatory minicamp. Ravens coach John Harbaugh said the entire roster reported for minicamp, and the team posted images of Dobbins in uniform on its website Monday. He expressed frustration after he did not get the ball in a crucial...

The intrigue around Ravens running back J.K. Dobbins deepened Tuesday when he was absent from the team’s first practice of mandatory minicamp.

Ravens coach John Harbaugh said the entire roster reported for minicamp, and the team posted images of Dobbins in uniform on its website Monday. The fourth-year running has expressed doubts about his long-term future with the Ravens, saying in a series of tweets that he’d like to stay in Baltimore for the rest of his career but “Idk tho sadly.”

When Harbaugh was asked about Dobbins before practice, he didn’t indicate anything was amiss. He talked about Dobbins’ potential in new offensive coordinator Todd Monken’s attack: “It’s going to be interesting how he fits in, because J.K. has a lot of dynamic ability — backfield, motion, wide plays, inside plays, as a receiver out of the backfield I think he’s got a lot of potential. I’m very excited about J.K. and how he’s going to fit in here.”

Dobbins, who did not participate in voluntary organized team activities, is entering the last year of his rookie contract. He played eight games last season, averaging an impressive 5.7 yards per carry, after returning from a knee injury that cost him the entire 2021 campaign. He expressed frustration after he did not get the ball in a crucial goal-line situation in the Ravens’ playoff loss to the Cincinnati Bengals.

Dobbins and wide receiver Rashod Bateman, who observed from the sideline, were the most notable absences from a well-attended practice. Fullback Patrick Ricard and cornerback Damarion “Pepe” Williams were not in uniform but worked out on the side. Harbaugh did not specify Williams’ injury but said the 2022 third-round pick won’t participate in minicamp: “He tells me he’s going to be back for training camp. We’ll see.”

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