OWINGS MILLS, Md. -- Baltimore Ravens linebacker Terrell Suggs was among the few absent players from Thursday's voluntary offseason practice.
But it wasn't Suggs' decision to stay off the field.
"He probably could practice but I'm holding him out," coach John Harbaugh said. "He's in here training every single day and doing a great job on the conditioning part of it."
Suggs tore his left biceps against the New York Giants on Oct. 16 and only missed one game. He still ended up leading Baltimore with eight sacks last season.
Team officials have praised Suggs for taking a leadership role and participating in the team's offseason program. In previous seasons, Suggs would only attend the mandatory minicamp.
The other eight Ravens players who missed Thursday's practice are either injured or recovering from surgeries: guard Marshal Yanda (offseason shoulder surgery); linebacker C.J. Mosley (shoulder surgery); tight ends Benjamin Watson (Achilles), Maxx Williams (knee) and Darren Waller (undisclosed); cornerbacks Kyle Arrington (concussion) and Carlos Davis (lower leg); and offensive lineman Jarell Broxton (undisclosed).
Harbaugh was very pleased with the attendance, especially when the team is in the early stages of installing the offense and defense.
"It's good to have all your pieces there taking part and participating in that," Harbaugh said. "You move forward with less drag and not being held back by the fact that guys aren't here."
