diff --git a/rich/markdown.py b/rich/markdown.py
index a58a04fc6..26c58d155 100644
--- a/rich/markdown.py
+++ b/rich/markdown.py
@@ -677,7 +677,7 @@ def __rich_console__(
                         and context.stack.top.on_child_close(context, element)
                     )
                     if should_render:
-                        if new_line:
+                        if new_line and node_type != "inline":
                             yield _new_line_segment
                         yield from console.render(element, context.options)
 
diff --git a/tests/test_markdown.py b/tests/test_markdown.py
index 710436eb2..4724deca6 100644
--- a/tests/test_markdown.py
+++ b/tests/test_markdown.py
@@ -18,10 +18,10 @@
 Paragraphs are separated
 by a blank line.
 
-Two spaces at the end of a line  
+Two spaces at the end of a line
 produces a line break.
 
-Text attributes _italic_, 
+Text attributes _italic_,
 **bold**, `monospace`.
 
 Horizontal rule:
@@ -174,6 +174,31 @@ def test_partial_table():
     assert result == expected
 
 
+def test_table_with_empty_cells() -> None:
+    """Test a table with empty cells is rendered without extra newlines above.
+    Regression test for #3027 https://github.com/Textualize/rich/issues/3027
+    """
+    complete_table = Markdown(
+        """\
+| First Header  | Second Header |
+| ------------- | ------------- |
+| Content Cell  | Content Cell  |
+| Content Cell  | Content Cell  |
+"""
+    )
+    table_with_empty_cells = Markdown(
+        """\
+| First Header  |               |
+| ------------- | ------------- |
+| Content Cell  | Content Cell  |
+|               | Content Cell  |
+"""
+    )
+    result = len(render(table_with_empty_cells).splitlines())
+    expected = len(render(complete_table).splitlines())
+    assert result == expected
+
+
 if __name__ == "__main__":
     markdown = Markdown(MARKDOWN)
     rendered = render(markdown)