Camp Notes: An Injury Scare, But It Seems Zay is OKAY

Saturday’s practice for the Baltimore Ravens was the first one I attended this year, so I went in planning to keep my eye specifically trained on the new additions. Despite a frankly sloppy performance overall by the offense (plenty of dropped passes and receivers struggling to get open), some of the new pieces stood out.

No new addition caught my eye more than rookie wide receiver Ja’Kobi Lane. The third-round pick seems to be consistently catching the eyes of those following him this summer, and Saturday was no different.

His size immediately stands out as a true big-bodied outside “X” wide receiver. His large hands allow him to easily pluck the ball out of the air, and he shows true physicality and willingness to work toward the ball.

Lane flashed at all three areas of the field, including a deep reception against Nate Wiggins in one-on-one drills and an impressive one-handed snag against Keyon Martin later in practice (a play on which Martin also grabbed onto Lane as Lane hauled in the pass). After the catch against Martin, several Ravens players celebrated with Lane, including running back Derrick Henry.

Another @cantGuardJak1 highlight for the people pic.twitter.com/dQrWhfuHGJ

— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) August 8, 2026

After practice, head coach Jesse Minter spoke about Lane’s growing rapport with starting quarterback Lamar Jackson.

“Every time he makes a play, that trust grows,” Minter said.

Additional Notes:

— Wide receiver Zay Flowers collided with safety Jaylinn Hawkins on a play in which Flowers was banged up and exited shortly after. He did not return to practice, and Minter confirmed he is day-to-day with a quad contusion, so hopefully a bullet was dodged.

— One other Ravens rookie stood out to me: tight end Matthew Hibner. He is a smooth route runner and sure-handed. Hibner had an impressive downfield catch on a wheel route past linebacker Trenton Simpson.

— Fellow rookie tight end Josh Cuevas does not look as smooth as a receiver as Hibner, and did have a poor drop in team drills.

— T.J. Tampa showed good ball skills and recognition in one-on-one drills. After practice, Minter singled out Tampa’s knack for finding the ball.

— Rookie wide receiver Elijah Sarratt had a nice reception against fellow rookie Chandler Rivers. Lane, Sarratt, and Tez Walker give the Ravens some noticeable size at the position this year.

— There seems to be some growing frustration with Marlon Humphrey’s play this summer; however, Minter emphasized his belief in Humphrey, saying “I got a lot of confidence in Marlon Humphrey.”

— Humphrey, while speaking to the media, highlighted Minter’s honesty in the locker room and ability to talk directly with players to address things.

— Running back Justice Hill expressed confidence in new offensive coordinator Declan Doyle, saying his background both in the run and pass games gives the offense a diverse repertoire rather than leaning too heavily in either direction.

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