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Luke Jones

Live from Owings Mills: Ravens conduct last full practice before Friday

Luke Jones

OWINGS MILLS, Md. — Completing their last full practice before their second preseason game on Friday, the Ravens will likely be without their starting right guard Marshal Yanda, who missed his fifth straight practice on Wednesday. Yanda has been dealing with back spasms since playing in last Thursday’s preseason opener against Philadelphia. Despite offensive coordinator Cam Cameron expressing no concern over the fifth-year lineman’s absence earlier in the week, the Ravens will likely be forced to go with the newly-shifted Oniel Cousins at right guard, with rookie Jah Reid making his first start at right tackle. Cornerback Chris Carr (hamstring) is also sidelined for the second straight day as Cary Williams and Jimmy Smith continue to work as the cornerbacks in the starting defense. Lardarius Webb and Domonique Foxworth were running with the second team. Safety Bernard Pollard was also working with the first team next to Ed Reed, further suggesting he’s surpassed Tom Zbikowski on the depth chart. Linebacker Ray Lewis was also missing from the first hour of Wednesday afternoon’s practice. It is a bit peculiar considering Tuesday was a day off for Lewis and many of the team’s veterans, but Lewis plays by his own set of

Ravens offense working to boost long-ball potential

Luke Jones

OWINGS MILLS, Md. — As a number of veterans rested during Tuesday afternoon’s practice, the Ravens continued working on their timing in the vertical passing game in hopes of stretching the field and creating the explosions that were lacking a season ago. Veteran receiver Anquan Boldin sat out his second straight practice — coach John Harbaugh said it was merely to rest the 30-year-old — as rookie Torrey Smith joined newly-acquired veteran Lee Evans as a starting receiver in the first offense. Quarterback Joe Flacco connected on a few deep balls to Smith and Evans — one a beautiful 43-yard touchdown strike to Smith with cornerback Cary Williams trailing behind. Evans has challenged a number of the Ravens’ top corners over his first four practices in Baltimore, even causing veteran Chris Carr to tweak his hamstring on a deep route Monday. Though the Ravens continue to preach their need to regain the power running game,  receivers gaining separation and taking the top off the defense will be a priority after the triumvirate of Boldin and departed veterans Derrick Mason and T.J. Houshmandzadeh created little diversity in the passing game a season ago. Of Ravens players making more than 10 receptions

Live from Owings Mills: Ravens give numerous veterans day off

Luke Jones

(Updated 5:00 p.m.) OWINGS MILLS, Md. — With two full days of practice remaining until the Ravens welcome the Kansas City Chiefs to town on Friday night, coach John Harbaugh rested a number of veterans on Tuesday afternoon. Veterans not working out included Ray Lewis, Terrell Suggs, Haloti Ngata, Jarret Johnson, Brendon Ayanbadejo, and Cory Redding. Receiver Anquan Boldin was also sitting out for the second straight day, making it tough to decipher whether Monday was a day of rest or the veteran is dealing with some type of injury. Right guard Marshal Yanda was absent from the field and has not practice since the Ravens played their preseason opener in Philadelphia last Thursday. He has been dealing with back spams that are not considered serious, according to offensive coordinator Cam Cameron. Running back Ray Rice was on the field, but not suited up to practice as the Ravens are likely trying to ease his workload during training camp. The Ravens were also missing two prominent cornerbacks as Lardarius Webb and Chris Carr were not practicing with the rest of their unit. Carr appeared to have an ice pack on his left upper leg, not surprising after he pulled up

Coordinators expect young Ravens to grow up quickly

Luke Jones

OWINGS MILLS, Md. — It was only hours after the 134-day lockout ended before we learned just how much the Ravens would lean on youth to continue their postseason success of the last three seasons. Projecting to be roughly $14 million over the new $120 million salary cap after an uncapped year, general manager Ozzie Newsome said goodbye to four key veterans and watched a number of others depart via free agency. In a matter of days, the Ravens were young — and cheaper. The loss of offseason training and organized team activities (OTAs) further complicated that realization, but after nearly three weeks of training camp and one preseason game under their belts, offensive coordinator Cam Cameron sees no reasons why the bar shouldn’t be high for rookies such as right tackle Jah Reid and receivers Torrey Smith and Tandon Doss (even with the veteran acquisition of Lee Evans to boost the receiver position). After all, there are no redshirts in the National Football League, where players are expected to contribute at a high level from day one. “There are no four-year scholarships,” Camerson said. “There are a lot of different things that go through these guys’ minds. We’re trying

Live from Owings Mills: Ravens missing four offensive starters from practice

Luke Jones

OWINGS MILLS, Md. — Rain storms throughout the area forced the Ravens to move their Monday afternoon practice indoors, but the current state of the interior offensive line appears even more threatening. With center Matt Birk sidelined after undergoing knee surgery two weeks ago and right guard Marshal Yanda missing his third straight practice with back spasms, left guard Ben Grubbs and receiver Anquan Boldin were not participating on Monday. It’s unclear whether it’s merely a day off for Grubbs — who had offseason ankle surgery — and Boldin, but both made it through Sunday evening’s practice without incident. With Grubbs, Birk, and Yanda not practicing, rookie Justin Boren was working at left guard while Bryan Mattison and Oniel Cousins filled in at center and right guard respectively. Others missing from Monday’s workout included receiver James Hardy (hamstring) and rookie running back Damien Berry. The Ravens received good news earlier in the day when second-year receiver David Reed passed his physical and came off the active physically-unable-to-perform list. The 6-foot return specialist was practicing Monday after missing the first three weeks of camp after undergoing offseason wrist surgery. Earlier on Monday, the Ravens released rookie defensive tackle Terron Sanders and

Ravens defense squawks, gets upper hand in Sunday's practice

Luke Jones

OWINGS MILLS, Md. — The Ravens practice began later than usual, but there was no sign of it hurting the defense on Sunday evening. Starting practice at 4:45 p.m. instead of the usual 1:30 p.m. start to give players some extra rest, the starting defense was flying around throughout the session and clearly got the best of the offense. Linebacker Terrell Suggs was chirping the loudest, several times questioning the calls of Cam Cameron during 11-on-11 team periods. Of course, it’s important to remember it was practice and not an actual game before anyone makes too much of Suggs’ playful jabbing. On one third-and-long situation inside the red zone, Cameron called for a run play, and the defense sniffed it out well short of the first-down marker. Suggs quipped that the Ravens better have a 13-point lead in the fourth quarter if they’re going to call that play. It’s hard to disagree with him, either. “I think it was positive, it was competitive, and challenging one another,” Harbaugh said. “We’re a team, but kind of in practice, we’re kind of not. We kind of get after each other a little bit. I thought the defense, at times, had the better

Live from Owings Mills: C. Williams, J. Smith work with starting defense

Luke Jones

OWINGS MILLS, Md. — The Ravens had their full allotment of cornerbacks on the practice field Sunday, making the two players working with the first defense all the more surprising. Rookie Jimmy Smith and third-year defensive back Cary Williams played extensively with the starting defense as Chris Carr and Lardarius Webb — the starters in the preseason opener — rotated inside in nickel and dime packages. Veteran Domonique Foxworth practiced on a limited basis but did not take reps in 11-on-11 team sessions as he continues to work his way back to full strength from ACL surgery a year ago. Smith’s involvement with the starting defense should not surprise too many people, given the fact that the Ravens viewed him as a top-10 talent when they selected him with the 27th overall pick in April. However, seeing the 6-foot-1 Williams work with the first unit was a product of his strong play in camp and performance against the Eagles last Thursday. “A guy deserves an opportunity,” coach John Harbaugh, who wanted to get a look at how Williams and Smith fit with the rest of the starting defense. “He’s played really well, and we try to do that. We always

Live from Owings Mills: Cody returns to practice, Yanda still sidelined

Luke Jones

OWINGS MILLS, Md. — As the Ravens hit the practice field late Sunday afternoon, defensive tackle Terrence Cody returned after being sidelined Saturday with a minor ankle injury. However, starting right guard Marshal Yanda was again missing as he continues to deal with back spasms. Maligned offensive lineman Oniel Cousins is once again working at right guard with rookie Jah Reid assuming duties at right tackle with the first offense. A day after returning to the practice field after dealing with a hamstring injury throughout training camp, receiver James Hardy was not practicing. At 6-foot-5, the 25-year-old Hardy appeared to have a good chance to crack the 53-man roster — especially after the Ravens failed in their effort to sign San Diego wideout Malcom Floyd — but his chances continue to fade as he can’t stay on the field. Safety Ed Reed was present on the field but not dressed to practice, indicating the 32-year-old was taking the day off as he has on a few occasions this summer. He was doing some individual work with the other defensive backs while wearing his jersey, shorts, and a ball cap. Others not practicing included receiver David Reed (physically-unable-to-perform list – wrist),

Ravens acquire veteran receiver Lee Evans for 4th round draft pick

Luke Jones

On the heels of a lackluster 13-6 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles in the Ravens’ preseason opener on Thursday night, general manager Ozzie Newsome apparently saw the same pressing need at wide receiver that everyone else did. The Ravens have traded for Buffalo receiver Lee Evans, as first reported by ESPN’s Adam Schefter. The Bills had reportedly been shopping the 30-year-old receiver for a third-round pick, but Baltimore instead sent a 2012 fourth-round selection to acquire the 5-foot-10 receiver. “He’s a quality veteran receiver who stretches the field and gives us a significant downfield presence,” said Newsome to the team’s official website. “He’s the type of person you want on your team. He brings leadership and maturity to the locker room.” Evans spent seven seasons in Buffalo and has caught 43 touchdowns and accumulated 5,934 receiving yards in his NFL career. With draft picks Torrey Smith and Tandon Doss projected as the No. 2 and No. 3 receivers entering the preseason opener, the rookies struggled to gain separation in the first half against Philadelphia. Ravens wide receivers failed to record a catch until the 6:15 mark of the second quarter when Doss caught a 6-yard pass from Tyrod Taylor. Though

Ravens falter on third down, nearly everywhere else in preseason opener

Luke Jones

PHILADELPHIA — While most concern lies with the changes to the Ravens’ offensive personnel through the first two weeks of training camp, the starting defense — or second and third units, for that matter — raised plenty of concerns on their own Thursday night. In the Eagles’ 13-6 win over the Ravens, the Baltimore defense struggled to get off the field on third down, continually missing tackles and failing to force incompletions. The numbers were particularly troubling in the first half with key personnel on the field through the first 30 minutes. Philadelphia was 4-for-4 on third-down conversions in the first quarter and 5-for-7 by halftime. “We were in position to make the tackle in the backfield, including two sacks, and we didn’t make the plays,” coach John Harbaugh said. “We have to get off the field in those third-down situations, and we didn’t in the first half.” The only touchdown of the game came on the Eagles’ opening drive when Michael Vick threw a 3-yard touchdown pass to Brent Celek with starting inside linebacker Jameel McClain covering. McClain struggled in the first quarter, allowing two completions and missing a tackle on Ronnie Brown on a beautifully-designed run blitz. That

Live from Lincoln Financial Field: Purple Haze chat at 7:30 as Ravens begin preseason

Luke Jones

***Join us in the Purple Haze live chat beginning at 7:30 p.m. as WNST.net brings you live coverage from the preseason opener in Philadelphia. For the quickest updates and analysis, follow WNST on Twitter and be sure to subscribe to the WNST Text Service.*** PHILADELPHIA — With two weeks of training camp under their belt, the Ravens travel to Philadelphia to open the preseason against the restocked Eagles on Thursday night. With key veterans figuring to play little more than a series and other starters only going for a quarter, tonight will bring plenty of opportunity for young players to leave an impression on Ozzie Newsome, John Harbaugh, and the Baltimore coaching staff. Here are the Ravens’ inactives for tonight: RB Ricky Williams (coach’s decision) CB Domonique Foxworth (knee) TE Ed Dickson (hamstring) WR Rodney Bradley (undisclosed) WR David Reed (PUP list – wrist) WR James Hardy (hamstring) RB Matt Lawrence (undisclosed) C Matt Birk (knee surgery) OT Ramon Harewood (PUP list – knees) DT Brandon McKinney (knee) Eagles inactives: WR DeSean Jackson WR Jeremy Maclin S Marlin Jackson DT Brandon Collier DT Trevor Laws DT Mike Patterson Surprisingly, rookie cornerback Jimmy Smith has not been deactivated despite Harbaugh saying

Ravens-Eagles Preseason Primer: What to watch in tonight's opener

Luke Jones

***Join us in the Purple Haze live chat beginning at 7:30 p.m. as WNST.net brings you live coverage from the preseason opener in Philadelphia. For the quickest updates and analysis, follow WNST on Twitter and be sure to subscribe to the WNST Text Service.*** Nearly seven months after the Ravens walked off the field after suffering a gut-wrenching loss to Pittsburgh in the AFC divisional playoffs, Baltimore begins preseason action on Thursday night looking noticeably different. And younger. After waving goodbye to veterans Derrick Mason, Todd Heap, Willis McGahee, and Kelly Gregg and watching a number of others depart via free agency, the Ravens find themselves in transition, getting younger while still hoping to maintain their Super Bowl aspirations. However, questions at several positions including wide receiver, tight end, right tackle, and backup quarterback as well as the pass rush remain unanswered. Couple those uncertainties with a 134-day lockout that eliminated off-season workouts and the typically mundane preseason opener appears to carry extra significance — depending on who you talk to, at least. With a young offense trying to find a new identity in the passing game, offensive coordinator Cam Cameron labeled this first preseason game as more important than

Live from Owings Mills: Ricky Williams thinks he'll "fit in well" with Ravens

Luke Jones

OWINGS MILLS, Md. — Though the dread locks and thick beard were trademark looks of his past, a mature, clean-shaven Ricky Williams passed his physical and took the practice field for the first time with the Baltimore Ravens on Tuesday afternoon. After signing a two-year contract worth $2.5 million — with escalators that could reach $4 million total — the 34-year-old met with the Baltimore media explaining why he chose the Ravens over a possible opportunity to receive more carries with the Detroit Lions. “It’s an established organization with a lot of [veterans],” Williams said. “Playing against them almost every year for the past six or seven years, you don’t like playing against them because of the way they play. I thought I would fit in well in this situation and be able to enjoy myself and possibly win a Super Bowl.” Williams only ran a handful of plays as he spent much of the afternoon conferring with coaches and players in order to get up to speed with the offense. Having the advantage of playing in Cam Cameron’s system for their one year together in Miami, Williams admires the Ravens offensive coordinator — a contributing factor for his decision

Live from Owings Mills: Ravens boost running back depth with "proven playmaker" in Ricky Williams

Luke Jones

(Updated: 8:55 p.m.) OWINGS MILLS, Md. — Returning to the practice field with their first preseason game only three days away, the Ravens received a rare piece of good news in free agency after coming to an agreement with veteran running back Ricky Williams shortly before Monday afternoon’s practice. The two-year deal is pending a physical, so the Ravens are cautiously awaiting the results after veteran center Casey Rabach failed his last week to void a two-year contract. However, offensive coordinator Cam Cameron is excited with the experience and production Williams can bring in support of starter Ray Rice. “I think he’ll be a great addition, a guy who will be a great complement to Ray Rice and the other guys in our backfield,” said Cameron, who coached Williams in 2007 with the Miami Dolphins. “Outstanding player and an outstanding person. I’m really excited.” With the release of Willis McGahee and fullback Le’Ron McClain signing a one-year contract with the Kansas City Chiefs last week, the Ravens were previously counting on fourth-year back Jalen Parmele and seventh-round rookie Anthony Allen to back up Rice. Cameron maintained that Rice would be a major contributor in short-yardage and goal-line packages — a

Ravens agree to terms with veteran running back Ricky Williams

Luke Jones

OWINGS MILLS, Md. — The Ravens have agreed to terms with veteran running back Ricky Williams, according to Pro Football Talk. Needing to boost depth behind starter Ray Rice after Willis McGahee’s and fullback Le’Ron McClain signing a one-year deal with the Kansas City Chiefs, the Ravens will likely look to the 34-year-old power back to fill McGahee’s role in short-yardage situations. Williams rushed for 673 yards on 159 carries while sharing time with Ronnie Brown in Miami last season. Williams will reportedly sign a two-year deal worth up to $4 million. Veteran Jalen Parmele and seventh-round pick Anthony Allen had been the strongest candidates for the No. 2 job on the depth chart, raising concerns with the Ravens’ apparent commitment to the running game in 2011. At 5-foot-10 and 230 pounds, Williams gives the Ravens a big back to complement the shiftier Rice in the offensive backfield. Williams is famously known as the 1998 Heisman Trophy winner who the New Orleans Saints — and then-coach Mike Ditka — famously gave up their entire draft to trade up to take him. The free-spirit running back retired in 2004 after two seasons with the Dolphins, only to return to Miami to

Live from M&T Bank Stadium: Deprived of training camp, fans flock to see Ravens practice

Luke Jones

(Updated: 4:45 p.m.) BALTIMORE — With their only chance to watch the Ravens work out this summer after the lockout forced the cancellation of training camp in Westminster, 24,078 fans flocked to M&T Bank Stadium to watch a three-hour practice on Saturday morning. Though fans surely missed notable veterans such as Todd Heap — now with the Arizona Cardinals — and free agent Derrick Mason, the enthusiasm was palpable and brought a different feel to practice that players have not experienced in the quiet confines of their training facility in Owings Mills. “It’s different,” said coach John Harbaugh, who gave a mixed review on how his players handled the crowd. “I talked to the team afterwards about communicating. You get in an environment like this and you realize it’s tough. We had a lot of distractions by design. It wasn’t just for the fans to have the interviews and the music and all that. It was also a great distraction for our players to overcome the noise and all that.” Given Friday’s news of free-agent target Malcom Floyd signing a two-year contract to remain in San Diego, a hot topic of discussion after practice was the speculated return of Mason,

Former Ravens receiver Mason close to joining Jets

Luke Jones

(Updated: 8:40 p.m.) OWINGS MILLS, Md. — Ten days after his abrupt release from the Baltimore Ravens, Derrick Mason appears close to finding a new home in the Big Apple. The New York Jets have released veteran Jerricho Cotchery and are moving toward signing the former Ravens receiver. Mason leaves behind six productive seasons in Baltimore in which he became the franchise’s all-time leader in both receptions (471) and receiving yards (5,777) after joining the Ravens in 2005. Rumors began linking the 37-year-old receiver to Rex Ryan’s squad Wednesday night before Mason visited the Jets and took a physical on Thursday. He would join a talented group of receivers in New York that includes Santonio Holmes and Plaxico Burress. While the Ravens continue to pursue the services of 6-foot-5 receiver Malcom Floyd to add more size and diversity in the passing game, quarterback Joe Flacco will adjust to life without his favorite target as Mason acted as the young quarterback’s security blanket over the last three seasons. Mason is the only receiver in franchise history to have a 100-catch season, grabbing 103 passes in 2007. With former tight end Todd Heap having already signed with the Arizona Cardinals last weekend,

Live from Owings Mills: Ravens offense continues hurting over first week of camp

Luke Jones

(Updated: 6:35 p.m.) OWINGS MILLS, Md. — With a lack of depth at several key offensive positions, the Ravens thought they had solved one problem with the return of veteran Casey Rabach on Tuesday. But just like sidelined starting center Matt Birk, Rabach wasn’t healthy himself, failing his physical on Wednesday and wiping out what would have been a two-year contract to return to Baltimore and bring a veteran presence to the Ravens’ center and guard positions. The news now leaves the Ravens with rookie free agents Tim Barnes and Ryan Bartholomew as their only options at the center position. Coach John Harbaugh confirmed Birk underwent arthroscopic knee surgery to “clean out” the bursa sac in his left knee and is expected to miss three to four weeks after the minor procedure on Tuesday. Birk has dealt with knee issues in the past, including last season when he had his knee drained several different times despite not missing a game. With Rabach failing his physical after undergoing shoulder surgery earlier this offseason, general manager Ozzie Newsome will continue looking for a veteran interior lineman, but Harbaugh reiterated the Ravens’ confidence in Birk being ready for the season opener against Pittsburgh

Former Ravens quarterback Marc Bulger retires

Luke Jones

Still without a veteran to back up starting quarterback Joe Flacco, the Ravens will be unable to call upon Marc Bulger, who intends to retire after 11 seasons in the NFL. The 34-year-old signal caller was the Ravens’ backup quarterback in 2010 after signing a one-year, $3.8 million contract, which paid him a higher base salary than Flacco. However, Bulger did not take a snap all season as Flacco started all 16 games. The Ravens currently have sixth-round pick Tyrod Taylor and practice squad member Hunter Cantwell as the only quarterbacks on the roster behind Flacco. Despite a strong endorsement from offensive coordinator Cam Cameron on Tuesday and the fact that Flacco has never missed a game in his three-year career, it’s unlikely the Ravens would feel comfortable with the listed 6-foot-1 Taylor as the backup quarterback. Bulger’s best years came with the St. Louis Rams, where he began as the No. 2 quarterback behind Kurt Warner and eventually became a two-time Pro Bowler. He finishes his career with 122 touchdown passes, 93 interceptions, and an 84.4 quarterback rating. With Bulger no longer an option as the backup quarterback, general manager Ozzie Newsome must now deal with an underwhelming quarterback

Ravens sign offensive lineman Casey Rabach to two-year deal

Luke Jones

OWINGS MILLS, Md. — With concerns over 35-year-old center Matt Birk’s health and a lack of depth on the interior offensive line, the Ravens have agreed to terms on a two-year contract with offensive lineman Casey Rabach. Drafted by the Ravens in the third round of the 2001 NFL draft, Rabach spent four seasons in Baltimore before being signed by the Washington Redskins in 2005. Rabach served his first three seasons with the Ravens as a reserve guard and center before starting all 16 games in 2004 as starting center Mike Flynn dealt with injuries. With the departure of reserve Chris Chester via free agency and Birk entering his 14th season in the league, the 33-year-old Rabach provides a nice insurance policy for the interior line. The veteran center has missed only one game over his last seven seasons in Washington and Baltimore.

Morning Reaction Tuesday Top 7: Most Entertaining Sports Figures I've Ever Watched

Luke Jones

In honor of the great Deion Sanders being inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton this weekend, today’s Morning Reaction Tuesday Top 7 was “The 7 Most Entertaining Sports Figures I’ve Ever Seen.” With Glenn Clark filling in on The Afternoon Drive this week, Drew Forrester kindly included me in the weekly spot. Remember you can hear our explanations for our Top 7 lists in the BuyAToyota.com Audio Vault right here. Luke Jones’ list… 7. Bo Jackson 6. Ray Lewis [youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d60hKgNPlVE[/youtube] 5. Randy Moss [youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tmJcUlrkMNg[/youtube] 4. Tiger Woods

Live from Owings Mills: Rice labels new fullback Leach "all about business"

Luke Jones

OWINGS MILLS, Md. — Asked about the signing of All-Pro fullback Vonta Leach, running back Ray Rice broke into his rendition of “I’m So Excited” by the Pointer Sisters after practice on Monday. And why wouldn’t he be after Leach was responsible for paving the way — or blowing it up — for the rushing champion as a member of the Houston Texans a season ago? “I watched what he did for Arian Foster,” said Rice, referring to Foster’s league-best 1,616 rushing yards. “He’s an amazing fullback. He lays the wood on people. Everybody knows what his reputation is. I just can’t wait to follow him. I could probably trip and get five yards running behind him. “I’m just excited to have a guy like that in front of me, because he’s all about business and all about hard work.” Unlike free-agent fullback Le’Ron McClain, who seemed more interested in carrying the ball himself than opening holes for Rice, the Ravens know what they’re getting in Leach. After Leach received only three carries in his first seven seasons combined, it’s doubtful we’ll see any “Leach for Running Back” t-shirts popping up for sale. With improving the running game deemed a

Live from Owings Mills: Ravens top pick Jimmy Smith practices for first time

Luke Jones

OWINGS MILLS, Md. — Upon finishing his first practice after signing a four-year contract Friday morning, first-round cornerback Jimmy Smith was asked how his first NFL workout went. “It was hot,” the 27th overall pick said after a steamy three-hour practice. “It’s really hot.” At least, Smith is honest. Seeing comparisons between the defenses the Ravens run and the defensive playbook he had at Colorado, Smith feel pretty comfortable despite having only completed his first practice as a professional. Smith ran with the second defense — as Domonique Foxworth and Lardarius Webb took first-team reps — but moved to cornerback in the starting defense’s nickel package, with Webb sliding to the inside. “I think he’s got a ways to go in a lot of ways, but we have a lot of work in front of us over camp,” coach John Harbaugh said. “Obviously, he’s got all the tools. He’s got a really good attitude. He’s a hard worker. I think he’s got to learn how to be a pro, and I’m very certain he can do that.” At 6-foot-2 and 205 pounds, many have seen similarities between Smith and a young Chris McAlister due to the former’s physical style of

Ravens place Suggs on non-football injury list, 4 others on active PUP list

Luke Jones

Word began trickling out overnight that the Ravens have placed Terrell Suggs on the non-football injury list. The Pro Bowl linebacker had his upper leg wrapped during Thursday’s practice and did not participate in the workout. Suggs is eligible to return to practice at any time and still counts against the 90-man roster. Before panicking, defensive tackle Terrence Cody was placed on the same list at the beginning of last year’s camp after not passing his conditioning test. If Suggs has a tweaked hamstring, it’s possible he is simply waiting a day or two to take the test. Every player on the training camp roster must pass the conditioning test before taking part in practice. The Ravens have also placed starting left guard Ben Grubbs (ankle), receiver David Reed, defensive tackle Brandon McKinney (unknown), and offensive tackle Ramon Harewood (knee) on the active physically unable to perform list. Each player still counts against the 90-man roster and is eligible to return to practice at any point during training camp. In 2010, ten Baltimore players began training camp on the active PUP list, including safety Ed Reed. Reed, however, was transferred to the reserve PUP list before the start of the

Ravens cornerback Jimmy Smith breaks the news about himself?

Luke Jones

Multiple reports have speculated about the imminent signing of first-round pick Jimmy Smith, but it appears the cornerback decided to break the news himself. The 27th overall pick announced on his verified Twitter account late Thursday night that he will officially sign his contract on Friday. “Ok.. its official I sign tomoro..” [sic], Smith wrote on his Twitter page. Of course, there’s always the slim chance of his account being “hacked” like many athletes have claimed after foolishly spouting off on Twitter, but it appears the Ravens will have all eight draft picks under contract in time for the second day of practice. If Smith proves correct, he wouldn’t be the first athlete to break his own news in an era when social media rules over all. And he certainly won’t be the last.

Live from Owings Mills: Ravens thrilled with Kindle's return to field

Luke Jones

OWINGS MILLS, Md. — A year ago at this time, Ravens linebacker Sergio Kindle was in a hospital bed, uncertain of his future quality of life, let alone whether he would ever be able to play football again. But as the Ravens returned to the practice field for the first time since the end of the 134-day lockout, coaches and players alike couldn’t help but take satisfaction in seeing Kindle’s smiling face as he stepped on the practice field for the first time in over a year. Coach John Harbaugh even noted that Kindle smiled as he took — and passed — the dread conditioning test to which every player is subjected. None of it means Kindle will approach the potential he once had when the Ravens selected him with the 43rd overall pick of the 2010 NFL draft, but it’s a large step forward from where the 23-year-old was 12 months ago. Another test will take place over the weekend when the Ravens can go live in practice for the first time. “It’s great for him as a person,” Harbaugh said. “That’s the No. 1 thing — what he’s overcome and to be out there. He looked good. Obviously,

With veteran targets gone, Flacco wants ball in his hands

Luke Jones

OWINGS MILLS, Md. — Even putting aside the 134-day lockout that ended earlier this week, it was anything but a typical offseason for Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco. There was the firing of quarterback coach Jim Zorn and rumblings that offensive coordinator Cam Cameron and Flacco weren’t on the same page. With two years remaining on his current contract, Flacco expressed a desire for a new long-term contract in the midst of labor unrest. Amid criticism from national media and peers such as Steelers linebacker LaMarr Woodley about his ability to win earlier this summer, Flacco married his high school sweetheart and saw his wedding photos become a viral sensation. But none of that topped Monday’s news of the Ravens’ intentions to release his two longtime targets, Derrick Mason and Todd Heap, who were responsible for securing 33 of Flacco’s 60 touchdown passes over his first three seasons. Suddenly, Flacco finds his safety net torn away, with only Anquan Boldin and a number of young question marks remaining. “I had no idea anything like that was going to happen, I really didn’t,” said Flacco, who expressed strong hope that both can be brought back. “You expect to come back and see

Live from Owings Mills: Ravens tight end Dickson replacing "Superman" with Heap's exit

Luke Jones

OWINGS MILLS, Md. — Second-year tight end Ed Dickson filled in for an injured Todd Heap over the final month of the 2010 season, but in the back of his mind, he knew the veteran was on his way back. It looks like he’ll have no such safety net this year as the Ravens intend to officially release Heap on Thursday to save salary cap room. While some hope remains for Heap’s return at a reduced cost, Dickson finds himself as the projected starter entering training camp. “It means a lot to me that they have that much faith in me,” said Dickson, who weighed in a few pounds heavier than last season. “I’ve been here one year. Like I said, all I can do is improve my game. I can come out in training camp and play my game and just try to get better everyday in camp and work to getting that starting position. They didn’t sign anything over to me right now. I still have competition, and I love competition.” His biggest competition is fellow 2010 draftee Dennis Pitta, selected in the fourth round, and third-year player Davon Drew. Dickson played in 15 games last season, catching

Mason says it's up to Ravens to decide if he returns

Luke Jones

OWINGS MILLS, Md. — On a day when players were thrilled to return to the Ravens training facility, receiver Derrick Mason faced the sobering possibility of leaving a place he’s called home for the final time. Though it doesn’t become official until Thursday, the 37-year-old wideout will be released in a cap-saving move, along with veterans Todd Heap, Kelly Gregg, and Willis McGahee. Mason was at the facility for his exit physical and met with general manager Ozzie Newsome. After spending the last six seasons in Baltimore, becoming the Ravens’ all-time leading receiver, Mason remains upbeat and willing to return — if the Ravens want him. “If they want me back, I’m back,” Mason said. “That’s all I can say. Now, if some other team wants me, then I think that’s one of those things you have to look at. My first thought would be to come back here. This has been my football home for the last six years, so why leave it so abruptly? I’m going to do what I can, and hopefully they’ll do what they need to do in order to try to bring me back. If not, hey, I can play football.” Mason caught 471

Live from Owings Mills: Ravens back to work, react to key veteran cuts

Luke Jones

OWINGS MILLS, Md. — With the training complex alive with players and media alike for the first time since draft weekend, the Ravens leave a long labor war behind them and thankfully turn their full attention to preparations for the 2011 season. Tuesday’s voluntary report day included the likes of Ray Rice, Domonique Foxworth, Lardarius Webb, and Terrence Cody while rookies took the opportunity to gain their bearings in a facility in which some of them haven’t been able to set foot. Players had the option to take their physicals and conditioning test a day ahead of Wednesday’s report date for those under contract. The entire team will meet for the first time at 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday, according to coach John Harbaugh. “The heat broke, the players will be happy, it cooled down a little bit, they’re just in time!” Harbaugh said. “We have labor peace and we have a break in the heat wave.” While players expressed their enthusiasm for returning to work, Monday’s news of the impending cuts of veterans Derrick Mason, Todd Heap, Kelly Gregg, and Willis McGahee put a damper on an otherwise exciting day in Owings Mills. Some players such the third-year cornerback Webb

After Scott’s injury, Orioles should look even harder at trading Guthrie

Luke Jones

BALTIMORE — With the trade deadline only a week away, the Orioles have a very difficult decision to make when it comes to the future of Jeremy Guthrie, who could be making his final start with the club at Camden Yards on Sunday afternoon. Do you trade your most consistent pitcher — even with an ugly 4-13 record — and further destroy a starting rotation sporting a 7.88 earned run average over its last 23 games entering Saturday’s action? Or do you retain your lone veteran presence on a club still hoping to develop the likes of Zach Britton, Jake Arrieta, and Brian Matusz and forgo any potential return of younger players for the future? The trade winds have whispered Guthrie’s name for a few seasons now, but the Orioles ultimately viewed their de facto ace as more valuable to them than any other team trying to pluck him at the deadline. Despite a 42-61 record in five seasons with the Orioles, Guthrie has a career 4.10 ERA over that span, including three seasons in which he finished with an ERA below 3.85. By no means should the Orioles simply send Guthrie to the first taker, but perhaps a look

Orioles fall to Angels, lose Scott for rest of season

Luke Jones

The Orioles not only lost the series opener against the Los Angeles Angels Friday night, but they lost Luke Scott for the rest of the season. After being activated from the 15-day disabled list prior to Friday’s game, Scott went 0-for-3 and would not have batted in the ninth inning of a 6-1 loss had his spot in the order come to the plate. The left-handed hitter once again experienced pain in his right shoulder after deciding he would take one more trial to play through the pain of a torn labrum before electing to undergo surgery or a season-ending rehabilitation program. “Luke’s been a tough guy. A lot of guys would have flown the coop, and he wanted to play,” manager Buck Showalter said. “He knew it was something he was going to have to do, anyway. I applaud him for that, for the ‘want-to.’ It’s not fair for the Orioles or for Luke to proceed down this path anymore.” Prior to the game, Scott said he planned to play the next three to five days to gauge whether he could continue playing or would need to forgo the rest of the season and decide on a course of

Live from Camden Yards: Scott giving injured shoulder one last run as Angels come to town

Luke Jones

**Join us in the Orange Crush live chat at 7:00 as the Orioles welcome the surging Los Angeles Angels to town for a three-game set** BALTIMORE — With Vladimir Guerrero still sidelined with a broken hand and fresh off a two-homer performance in Double-A Bowie, Luke Scott will take a final chance to see how his injured right shoulder responds after a stint on the disabled list. The Orioles have reinstated Scott — who will occupy the designated hitter spot and hit sixth — and optioned outfielder Matt Angle to Triple-A Norfolk prior to the start of a three-game series with the Los Angeles Angels. The plan is for Scott to play the next three to five days to gauge whether he can be productive with the torn labrum in his right shoulder that’s hindered him most of the season. If Scott feels he is not being productive enough to help the team, he will elect to have season-ending surgery or go the rehabilitation route that reliever Jason Berken chose when he had his own slap tear in his pitching shoulder. The Opening Day left fielder says the shoulder doesn’t affect his throwing as much as when he’s at the

Matusz shelled in latest Triple-A outing

Luke Jones

For those looking for a bit of good news with the Orioles off on Thursday, they didn’t get it from Brian Matusz. Coming off an impressive start in which he tossed seven scoreless innings while showing slight improvement in his velocity from what we saw in Baltimore last month, Matusz allowed seven earned runs in 3 2/3 innings of work against the Toledo Mud Hens in an 11-3 loss for Triple-A Norfolk. The left-hander gave up eight hits and three walks before being lifted in the fourth inning for Tides reliever Nick Bierbrodt. Matusz also struck out two hitters. Though we likely won’t learn what his velocity and overall stuff looked like until Buck Showalter meets with the media on Friday afternoon, whatever he had — or didn’t have — working for him obviously didn’t translate to the box score. In his four starts since being optioned to Triple-A Norfolk following a horrendous start against the St. Louis Cardinals on June 30, Matusz has completed fewer than six innings three times and has a 5.40 earned run average in 21 2/3 innings. The 24-year-old has struck out 19, allowed 24 hits, and walked 10 over the four outings. Those stats

Orioles’ second inning sets punchless tone in 4-0 loss to Red Sox

Luke Jones

BALTIMORE — Games are rarely won in the second inning, but they can sometimes be lost. The Orioles managed just two hits against Boston on Wednesday, falling 4-0 and failing to earn their first series win since late June when they took two of three from the Cincinnati Reds. However, Baltimore failed to capitalize on the wildness of Red Sox starter Andrew Miller in the second inning in their best chance to score all afternoon. With the game scoreless in the bottom of the second, Miller walked the bases loaded with one out and backup catcher Craig Tatum coming to the plate. Instead of showing the same patience shown by the prior three batters against a southpaw who had walked nine batters over his last two starts (7 1/3 innings), Tatum swung at the first pitch and eventually grounded into a 4-6-3 double play on a 2-2 pitch that was several inches off the plate. “He was all over the place and then I came up there and he threw me some good pitches,” Tatum said. “I don’t know. It would have been nice to hit a fly ball or [the grounder] just be a couple feet either way and

Orioles’ concerns growing over Scott’s injured shoulder

Luke Jones

BALTIMORE — Despite completing two rehab starts for Double-A Bowie, outfielder/designated hitter Luke Scott will not be activated from the 15-day disabled list on Tuesday as was previously hoped. And judging from comments made by the left-handed slugger and manager Buck Showalter, surgery on Scott’s torn labrum in his right shoulder appears more and more likely. Despite nearly two weeks of rest in which he didn’t swing a bat or lift any weights, Scott did not appear to be encouraged with the health of his shoulder, claiming “it is what it is.” Scott told Showalter the shoulder is at 70 percent right now. The tentative plan is for Scott to take a day or two to rest before potentially playing in a couple more minor league rehab games. “It’s just been a challenge to deal with,” Scott said. “I took 13 days completely off, not doing anything, and it’s only just two days of rehab at-bats. I’m trying to build it up some more. … If I’m not 100-percent ready or if I’m not in a position where I’m really going to step in and help the team, I need to take the necessary means to get to that point.”

With late chance to win, Orioles not nearly good enough against Red Sox

Luke Jones

I’m not exactly breaking news by telling you the Red Sox are better than the Orioles. A lot better. On most nights, you could argue they don’t even belong in the same ballpark. And yet, they were tied 7-7 entering the eighth inning at Camden Yards on Monday night. The sleep-deprived Red Sox were coming off a 16-inning marathon against Tampa Bay that caused them not to arrive in Baltimore until early that morning. Instead of slamming the door on a tired Boston lineup and turning it over to an Orioles lineup that had earlier scored five runs in the fifth inning to erase a 6-2 deficit, manager Buck Showalter turned to Michael Gonzalez, Mark Worrell, and Chris Jakubauskas to get him through the eighth inning. Yes, you read that correctly. Eight runs later, the Orioles trailed 15-7 and ultimately dropped their seventh straight game against the Red Sox, 15-10. In fairness, Showalter wasn’t exactly playing with a full deck for a bullpen that’s not exactly known for shortening games when it’s at full strength, anyway. Closer Kevin Gregg — along with Red Sox designated hitter David Ortiz — began serving a three-game suspension Monday stemming from the events at

Live from Camden Yards: Gregg, Ortiz begin suspensions as Orioles welcome Boston to town

Luke Jones

**Join us in the Orange Crush live chat at 7:00 as the Orioles welcome the Boston Red Sox to town for a three-game set** BALTIMORE — For those anticipating Kevin Gregg-David Ortiz II with the Boston Red Sox rolling into town for a three-game series, they’ll have to wait. Their suspensions were reduced to three games this afternoon, and both will begin their sentences tonight as the Orioles (38-54) hope to make it three wins in a row and extract some revenge after the Red Sox embarrassed them in a four-game sweep at Fenway Park prior to the All-Star break. Gregg agreed to drop his appeal of a four-game suspension after Major League Baseball offered a three-game penalty starting Monday in Baltimore. The respective fines of Gregg and Ortiz were also reduced. “It’s principle, I want to fight for principle,” Gregg said. “But at this point, in regards to the team, I’m trying to take the best interest of the team right now, using what MLB has presented.” With Gregg serving his suspension against the Red Sox, manager Buck Showalter said the Orioles could go with a few different candidates to potentially to close, presumably Jim Johnson, Koji Uehara, or

Despite late scare, Orioles remind us what winning formula looks like

Luke Jones

BALTIMORE — You knew the Orioles would eventually win another game. I was pretty sure, anyway. I just didn’t think Alfredo Simon — scheduled to return to the Dominican Republic on Sunday for a hearing regarding his manslaughter case — would be the one to provide the best start by an Orioles pitcher all month, pitching seven strong innings and allowing two earned runs to snap the club’s nine-game losing streak in a 6-5 win over the Cleveland Indians. And I really didn’t think maligned reliever Michael Gonzalez would be the one to slam the door on the Cleveland rally when closer Kevin Gregg walked the bases loaded and gave up a three-run double to Orlando Cabrera to turn the Orioles’ comfortable 6-2 ninth-inning lead into a one-run heart attack special. However, Gonzalez recorded his first save since April 8, 2010 after signing a two-year, $12 million contract two winters ago to be the Baltimore closer. But these are the Orioles, of course. Nothing comes easy and things rarely go according to plan, especially over the last five weeks. Aside from Gregg’s inability to throw the ball over the plate in the ninth, the Orioles played a relatively crisp game

Guerrero placed on 15-day DL with broken hand

Luke Jones

BALTIMORE — Following the Orioles’ 6-5 win over Cleveland to snap a nine-game losing streak, manager Buck Showalter announced Vladimir Guerrero will be placed on the 15-day disabled list with a cracked bone in his right hand. The Orioles have also optioned relief pitcher Pedro Viola to Double-A Bowie. Taking their spots on the roster will be outfielder Matt Angle and reliever Troy Patton from Triple-A Norfolk. After Guerrero was hit by a pitch last Sunday in Boston, a second x-ray earlier this week revealed a small crack below his right pinkie. The designated hitter attempted to take batting practice on Friday, but he was unable to grip a bat without feeling pain. The move is retroactive to July 6. Angle, the Orioles’ seventh-round pick in 2007, was hitting .266 with four home runs and 29 runs batted in for the Triple-A Tides. The speedy center fielder also has 20 stolen bases. Patton is 4-1 with a 1.83 earned run average in 44 1/3 innings this season for Norfolk. In a brief stint earlier this season in Baltimore, the left-handed reliever allowed two earned runs and struck out three in 2 1/3 innings against the New York Yankees on May

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