Jacoby Jones got off to a rocky start to training camp when he failed the team's mandatory conditioning test Monday.
Head Coach John Harbaugh said that he expects Jones to pass the test on the second try.
"I do," Harbaugh responded when asked if he thought Jones would quickly get up to speed. "I'd be very surprised if he isn't. He's really close on it. I'd never make any excuses for him, he should pass it. But he was traveling and things like that. We'll see. It's up to him. That's the facts. Facts are stubborn things."
Every player is required to pass the test, which is a series of timed interval runs, in order to get on the practice field for training camp.
Jones could still take the test Wednesday or Thursday and pass it in time to participate in the team's first full practice Thursday afternoon. Tuesday's practice was just for the rookies, quarterbacks and players coming off injuries.
Getting back on the field will be critical for Jones, as he's in the middle of a tight competition at wide receiver. He's currently the No. 2 wideout, but he has young players like Tandon Doss, Deonte Thompson, David Reed and LaQuan Williams fighting for his reps.
Jones went on the reality TV show "Dancing With The Stars" this offseason, but he's emphasized from the time he agreed to do the show that he would be in shape in time for the season.
Teammate Torrey Smith stuck up for Jones on Twitter Tuesday afternoon, urging fans not to put too much stock in a player failing the conditioning test on his first attempt.
