By Austin Medina

Ravens defensive tackle Michael Pierce did himself no favors entering his contract year.

Pierce, 26, reportedly arrived at training camp out of shape and was sent home. Pierce skipped voluntary offseason workouts and when the time came to attend mandatory minicamp, Pierce wasn’t ready to participate.

Defensive coordinator Don Martindale spoke on the situation. Martindale on Michael Pierce: “of course you’re disappointed. Like I said to him, life is about choices... we piled on enough yesterday. Let’s not forget what a great football player he is. He’ll get back there.” — Jeff Zrebiec (@jeffzrebiec) — Jeff Zrebiec (@jeffzrebiec) June 12, 2019 Additionally, head coach John Harbaugh cleared up his rational for sending Pierce home. John Harbaugh on a heavy Michael Pierce leaving field after talking with him: "He's not ready to practice from a safety standpoint and for his health. We recognize that and pulled him off." Harbaugh added, "He's not ready for this practice yet. I think you could probably tell." — Jamison Hensley (@jamisonhensley) — Jamison Hensley (@jamisonhensley) June 11, 2019 The Ravens signed Pierce in 2016 as an undrafted free agent and his on-field production has been exceptional. Predominantly a run stopper, Pierce has tallied 11 tackles for loss, 10 quarterback hits, and three sacks.

His ability to stuff the run alongside Brandon Williams was a key factor in the Ravens fourth-ranked rush defense in 2018.

With mandatory minicamp wrapped up, Pierce will have six weeks to get into playing shape in time for training camp. With Pierce set to become an unrestricted free agent in 2020, he’ll need to produce at a high level once again.

For both Pierce, and the Ravens, his conditioning will be crucial in 2019 and keeping him on the field will only benefit their defense.