BEVERLY HILLS — Ndamukong Suh was one of the most notable absences in the Lions’ unofficial workout on Monday. The Lions’ defensive tackle was not in attendance for the first week of workouts in May either.

It’s startling considering that he’s one of the leaders on the team, he was the second overall draft choice in 2010 and it’s not like he can’t afford airfare.

About 28 of the Lions worked out at Birmingham Detroit Country Day on Monday morning. Dre’ Bly, who is a former Lions and an unsigned free agent, was also back at it. He was also part of the group a few weeks ago.

Defensive end Kyle Vanden Bosch, a team captain, was one of the organizers and was careful not to say anything bad about Suh’s absence.

He said he’s texted him a few times but is not sure if Suh will show up for the workouts on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.

“One of the things with Suh, he showed it last year and he showed it in his college career, he’s one of the hardest workers I’ve been around. You know he’s working out, you know he’s in shape,’’ Vanden Bosch said.

Suh had shoulder surgery in January and Vanden Bosch said he is as strong as ever following that.

We couldn’t tell you, because we haven’t seen him. If you follow him on Twitter (@ndamukong_suh) you know he’s been on the road in recent weeks including a trip to England and Monaco.

Can’t help thinking, he should have put Detroit on his itinerary. Team should come first, lockout or not.

(Follow me on Twitter @PaulaPasche.)