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Rookie running back Rainey signed to practice squad

Luke Jones

OWINGS MILLS, Md. — A day after he was waived to create room for Anthony Allen on the 53-man roster, rookie running back Bobby Rainey will remain with the Ravens after signing a practice squad contract. The undrafted free agent from Western Kentucky said in a text message to WNST.net that he cleared waivers and will go on the eight-man developmental squad after being one of the most pleasant surprises of training camp and initially making the 53-man roster. Rainey was waived due to a need for Allen’s presence on special teams as the roster move was announced shortly before Monday night’s game against the Bengals. “Bobby Rainey is a big part of our plans,” coach John Harbaugh said after Monday night’s game. “I texted Bobby before the game. He is, rightly so, kind of upset about it. Bobby is a guy that I cherish. We just did it for special teams reasons, pure and simple. Anthony Allen has done a great job on special teams, and we made a strategic roster move we hope works out for us.” Rainey was used as a punt returner in the preseason, but he did not stand out as a contributor to any

Ravens leftovers from Monday night

Luke Jones

It was quite a start to the 2012 season as the Ravens dominated the Cincinnati Bengals in a 44-13 win on Monday night. Their 44 points set a franchise record for Week 1, breaking the previous high of 38 set against the Kansas City Chiefs in 2009. It was also the first time in franchise history that Baltimore cracked the 40-point plateau against the Bengals. With the New York Jets putting up 48 against the Buffalo Bills on Sunday, the Ravens’ 44 points were the second most by any team during Week 1. Quarterback Joe Flacco’s 52-yard completion to wide receiver Torrey Smith on the first play from scrimmage set the tone for an offensive explosion and was the longest play to begin a season in franchise history. The previous long came in 2011 when running back Ray Rice ran for 36 yards against Pittsburgh. The Ravens also improved to 5-0 in Week 1 games under head coach John Harbaugh, which ranks as the second-longest streak in the league behind New England. Baltimore has won seven straight home openers overall. The Week 1 success continues a positive trend that goes a long way in explaining why the Ravens have made

Reed not concerned with hamstring injury

Luke Jones

Safety Ed Reed was determined to score when he picked off an Andy Dalton pass and sprinted 34 yards down the sideline for a touchdown in the Ravens’ 44-13 win over the Cincinnati Bengals Monday night. But the scoring play that made Reed the NFL’s all-time leader in interception return yards (1,497) came with a price as the veteran injured his hamstring and did not return in what was deemed more a precautionary measure with the game out of hand in the fourth quarter. “I wasn’t going to let the [offensive] linemen catch me,” said Reed, drawing laughter. “That’s why I just dove. It strained my hamstring trying to dive. You know, I’m 34 in two hours. Father Time does catch up with you.” Celebrating his birthday on Tuesday, Reed wasn’t concerned about the hamstring injury or his status for the Ravens’ next game against the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday as he said after the game that he will play in Week 2. “It’s good, it’s minor,” Reed said. “Once the offense scored with that [pass interference] penalty on Torrey Smith, coach was like ‘you’re down, don’t worry about it.’ If there was a [reason], I could have played. I

Surgery could have Markakis back in four weeks

Luke Jones

Injured right fielder Nick Markakis told reporters Sunday he will undergo surgery on his broken left thumb that could speed up his recovery time in hopes of return for the postseason. On Saturday, manager Buck Showalter spoke about surgery as a definitive season-ending possibility for the Orioles’ leadoff hitter, but the doctor who performed the procedure on Markakis’ right wrist in June took a look at the CT scan and X-rays and determined surgery might actually speed up the initial estimate of a six-week recovery period. Markakis told reporters the procedure would involve the insertion of a T-plate in the top of the thumb and could trim three weeks off the recovery time. The surgery will be performed by Dr. Brian Schofield, the same surgeon who removed Markakis’ broken hamate bone in his right wrist in early June. Showalter ruled out any possibility of Markakis returning for the end of the regular season, saying the Orioles would need to make a significant run in the postseason for the right fielder to have any chance at playing again this year.

Ravens-Bengals final injury report for Monday night

Luke Jones

OWINGS MILLS, Md. — As expected, the Ravens’ final injury report for Monday night’s game against the Cincinnati Bengals paints a positive picture in terms of players being available. Offensive lineman Jah Reid (calf) was listed as doubtful and will not play in the season opener, and cornerback Asa Jackson was listed as questionable with him dealing with a gastrointestinal illness the last two days. Safety Sean Considine was cleared for contact after suffering a concussion in the preseason and will play on Monday night. Meanwhile, the Bengals will be without rookie coornerback Dre Kirkpatrick, who will be sidelined for much of the first half of the season with a knee injury. Starting defensive end Carlos Dunlap (knee) and backup running back Bernard Scott are doubtful for Monday’s game. Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton is listed as probable with a right biceps issue after the starting signal-caller was a full participant in practice all week. BALTIMORE DOUBTFUL: T Jah Reid (leg) QUESTIONABLE: CB Asa Jackson (illness) PROBABLE: S Sean Considine (head), LB Courtney Upshaw (shoulder) CINCINNATI OUT: CB Dre Kirkpatrick (knee) DOUBTFUL: DE Carlos Dunlap (knee), RB Bernard Scott (hand) QUESTIONABLE: CB Jason Allen (quad) PROBABLE: QB Andy Dalton (right biceps),

Harbaugh says Cleveland should be proud of Modell's impact

Luke Jones

(Updated: 4:35 p.m.) OWINGS MILLS, Md. — After growing up in Ohio and rooting for the Cleveland Browns as a kid, John Harbaugh understands the emotions on display in his home state with the passing of former Browns and Ravens owner Art Modell. But the Ravens coach also believes it’s fitting for the city of Cleveland to recognize Modell’s accomplishments as a pioneer who helped shape the empire of the modern NFL. The league had requested all home NFL cities to recognize Modell this weekend, but the Browns cancelled their plan to pay tribute to Modell’s memory at the request of Art’s son David Modell. Their initial plan to join the rest of the NFL in recognizing Modell on Sunday had sparked much debate over how the Browns should handle what undoubtedly would have been a delicate — and potentially ugly — situation. “That’s a tremendous thing that the whole league is going to be honoring Art Modell,” said Harbaugh prior to the Browns’ decision to cancel plans to recognize the late owner. “That speaks to his impact that he had on the National Football League. It’s something I think we all in Baltimore should be proud of, and I

Considine cleared for contact, will play Monday night

Luke Jones

(Updated: 1:50 p.m.) OWINGS MILLS, Md. — Conducting their final practice before welcoming the Cincinnati Bengals to town for the season opener on Monday night, the Ravens continued to be in good shape as it related to attendance at practice. Safety Sean Considine (concussion) was once again practicing in his regular white practice jersey for the second straight day. Coach John Harbaugh revealed after practice the veteran has been cleared for contact and will be ready to play on Monday. “It was definitely frustrating,” Considine said. “It wasn’t a good time period at the end of training camp thereto be dealing with a concussion like that. I took care of it. I feel a lot better now and am ready to go. I feel fortunate that I’m still around here and looking to help this team win.” He was listed as a full participant for practices on Friday and Saturday and had been wearing a red non-contact jersey since the third preseason against the Jacksonville Jaguars. However, Considine revealed he did not sustain a second concussion as previously reported but rather he was continuing to deal with symptoms from the first one as he attempted to play against Jacksonville. Considine

Yankees’ Rodriguez gives post-game nod to Ray Lewis

Luke Jones

After hitting a two-run homer to help the Yankees beat the Orioles Friday night, Alex Rodriguez paid tribute to Ravens inside linebacker Ray Lewis in his post-game interview. Rodriguez wore a No. 52 University of Miami jersey in the Yankees clubhouse following their 8-5 win over the Orioles to retake sole possession of first place in the American League East. The third baseman grew up in Miami and attended Westminster Christian High School before being drafted by the Seattle Mariners with the first overall pick in the 1993 amateur draft. Lewis played his college football for the Hurricanes from 1993 through 1995 before entering the NFL draft after his junior season. “He’s my boy,” Rodriguez said. “I love Ray Lewis, I love the University of Miami, and I’m in his hometown. So, I’m honoring the Hall of Famer Ray Lewis.” Though Rodriguez offered respect to one of Baltimore’s greatest sports heroes of all time, it’s highly unlikely the veteran won over any local fans as the Orioles are in the midst of their first pennant race in 15 years. Here’s the post-game interview, courtesy of the YES Network:

Yankees' Rodriguez gives post-game nod to Ray Lewis

Luke Jones

After hitting a two-run homer to help the Yankees beat the Orioles Friday night, Alex Rodriguez paid tribute to Ravens inside linebacker Ray Lewis in his post-game interview. Rodriguez wore a No. 52 University of Miami jersey in the Yankees clubhouse following their 8-5 win over the Orioles to retake sole possession of first place in the American League East. The third baseman grew up in Miami and attended Westminster Christian High School before being drafted by the Seattle Mariners with the first overall pick in the 1993 amateur draft. Lewis played his college football for the Hurricanes from 1993 through 1995 before entering the NFL draft after his junior season. “He’s my boy,” Rodriguez said. “I love Ray Lewis, I love the University of Miami, and I’m in his hometown. So, I’m honoring the Hall of Famer Ray Lewis.” Though Rodriguez offered respect to one of Baltimore’s greatest sports heroes of all time, it’s highly unlikely the veteran won over any local fans as the Orioles are in the midst of their first pennant race in 15 years. Here’s the post-game interview, courtesy of the YES Network:

Reid, Jackson absent from Friday's practice

Luke Jones

OWINGS MILLS, Md. — Moving closer to their season opener against the Cincinnati Bengals on Monday night, the Ravens continue to be in good shape from a health standpoint. Though rookie cornerback Asa Jackson (illness) joined offensive lineman Jah Reid (calf) as a new absence from the practice field on Friday, the Ravens saw all other players present and accounted for. Safety Sean Considine (contact) was not sporting a red non-contact jersey during the portion of practice open to the media, which could suggest his chances for playing Monday night have improved. However, it remains unclear whether the veteran defensive back has passed his baseline test to clear him for contact and the Ravens were wearing helmets, shells, and shorts on Friday, which typically signifies no contact. The team announced it has reached injury settlements to waive linebacker Darryl Blackstock (leg) and offensive lineman Justin Boren (foot), freeing both players from injured reserve. The Ravens will conduct their final full practice on Saturday at 11:15 a.m. with coach John Harbaugh scheduled to meet with the media following the workout. Here is Friday’s official injury report: BALTIMORE DID NOT PARTICIPATE: OL Jah Reid (leg), Asa Jackson (illness) FULL PARTICIPATION: LB Courtney

No "blackout" for Ravens on Monday night

Luke Jones

OWINGS MILLS, Md. — With the Ravens opening the 2012 season on ESPN’s Monday Night Football in Baltimore, most fans assumed the team would don their black alternate jerseys against the Cincinnati Bengals. However, the Ravens have already confirmed they will be dressed in their purple tops, going against their normal tendency for nationally-televised night games at M&T Bank Stadium. Baltimore wore its black jerseys against the New York Jets and San Francisco 49ers in night games played in Baltimore last season and last wore their purple duds in a nationally-televised prime-time game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Dec. 5, 2010. However, they sported black pants with the purple jerseys in that one for the first time since 1996. Though not confirmed by the team’s official website, I’m hearing the plan is for the Ravens to wear their traditional white pants with the purple jerseys. The Ravens wore black pants with their purple tops in their final two home games last season, the Christmas Eve game against the Cleveland Browns and their divisional-round contest against the Houston Texans. A few have asked whether the Ravens would wear white jerseys at home after sporting them in three of the four home

Light injury report for Ravens on Thursday

Luke Jones

The first official injury report of the week was encouraging for the Ravens as only three players appeared on the list. Offensive lineman Jah Reid appears unlikely to play in the season opener against the Bengals as he continues to recover from a calf injury that’s hampered him since mandatory minicamp in mid-June. The second-year lineman has suffered two setbacks since then and did not participate in Wednesday’s practice. Safety Sean Considine worked on a limited basis as he has yet to pass his baseline test after he sustained a second concussion late in the season. The veteran has said he expects to play in the opener on Monday night. Tight ends Ed Dickson and Dennis Pitta were not listed on the injury report, which lends support to the notion that both players describing themselves as game-time decisions against Cincinnati appeared to be gamesmanship more than legitimate concern. Running back Ray Rice was not listed on the injury report despite not being present for the portion of practice open to media, which means he was simply a late arrival to the field. Meanwhile, the Bengals’ injury report was a little more crowded as rookie cornerback Dre Kirkpatrick has already been

Ravens take practice field with heavy hearts over Modell's passing

Luke Jones

OWINGS MILLS, Md. — With the backdrop of former team owner Art Modell’s passing on Thursday morning, the Ravens continued preparations for their season opener against the Cincinnati Bengals. During the first 30 minutes of practice open for media viewing, running back Ray Rice hadn’t appeared on the field after meeting with the media two hours earlier. Typically a late arrival to the practice field on most days, Rice did not appear to be dealing with any trace of an injury when talking with reporters, which could be an indication that he was simply later than normal taking the field. The team will release its first injury report of the week on Thursday afternoon, which will provide more clarity regarding Rice’s level of participation in the practice. Offensive lineman Jah Reid (calf) was not dressed out for practice as he watched Thursday’s workout from the sidelines. The second-year player appears unlikely to play against the Bengals and has dealt with a calf injury since June. He has experienced two different setbacks since initially being carted off the field on the final day of mandatory minicamp in mid-June. Safety Sean Considine (concussion) was practicing with a red non-contact jersey and hadn’t

Osemele expecting important role along Ravens offensive line

Luke Jones

Moved around and depended upon more than anyone during the preseason, rookie offensive lineman Kelechi Osemele grew up quite a bit this summer for the Ravens. Beginning the preseason as the starting right tackle while the Ravens figured out what to do with veteran Bryant McKinnie and then moved to left guard to spell veteran Bobbie Williams at a couple different points, Osemele never missed a beat as he proved the Ravens to be wise for selecting him with the 60th overall pick. And while Osemele isn’t projected to be one of the five starting offensive linemen when the Ravens take the field against the Cincinnati Bengals next Monday night, the rookie is expected to still be a factor as the top reserve. “The feel that I’m getting is that I’ll pretty much have a substantial role as far as how my preseason went,” Osemele said. “[I’m] not really sure how things are going to go as far as starting or at what point, but it feels like I’ll have a pretty substantial role as far as what my coaches have been saying.” Though third-year tackle Ramon Harewood and 2011 third-round pick Jah Reid are also on the 53-man roster,

Former Steelers QB Dixon added to Ravens practice squad

Luke Jones

A day after officially adding five players to their eight-member practice squad, the Ravens added former Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Dennis Dixon to the group Sunday. The news was reported by CBS Sports’ Jason La Canfora. Dixon worked out for the Ravens in the offseason before they elected to sign former Indianapolis Colts quarterback Curtis Painter to be part of their preseason roster. The organization elected to go with two quarterbacks on the 53-man roster Friday and waived Painter. A fifth-round pick out of Oregon in the 2008 draft, Dixon spent four years in Pittsburgh while playing in four games and making three starts. His first start came in a Sunday night game played in Baltimore in 2009 in which the 6-foot-3 Dixon completed 12 of 26 passes for 145 yards and a touchdown. However, his interception in overtime led to the game-winning field goal by Billy Cundiff. Displaying good mobility, Dixon is an insurance policy on the practice squad should anything happen to starter Joe Flacco or backup Tyrod Taylor. The Ravens remain high on Taylor’s ability, but the second-year quarterback had an up-and-down preseason that led some to believe he was being pushed by Painter for the backup job.

Ravens sign Allen, four others to practice squad

Luke Jones

Less than 24 hours after deciding on their 53-man roster, the Ravens began building their eight-man practice squad on Saturday afternoon. The team announced they have signed five players, all of whom were part of the preseason roster. Anthony Allen headlines the group a day after the 2011 seventh-round pick was waived by the team after rookie free agent Bobby Rainey beat him out for the third running back job. Despite gaining an accrued season as a rookie, the Georgia Tech product remained eligible for the practice squad after being active in only five games. Players are allowed to join a practice squad if they’ve been active in fewer than nine games total for any accrued seasons. The Ravens also signed safety Omar Brown, linebacker Josh Bynes, and offensive linemen Jack Cornell and Antoine McClain. Brown gained notoriety in the preseason after coming away with four turnovers — three fumble recoveries and an interception — while Bynes was with the organization as a member of the practice squad and was promoted to the active roster to play in one game last season. Bynes missed most of the preseason with a chipped vertebrae in his back. Waived by the Ravens on

Upshaw reinjures shoulder in preseason loss to St. Louis

Luke Jones

With a final opportunity to make a statement in the competition with Albert McClellan for the Ravens’ starting rush linebacker spot, rookie Courtney Upshaw instead reinjured the shoulder that’s plagued him throughout the summer. The 35th overall pick in April’s draft left the game in the second quarter of the Ravens’ 31-17 loss to the St. Louis Rams Thursday, and his status for the season opener against the Cincinnati Bengals on Sept. 10 is now in question. Upshaw is scheduled to undergo an MRI Friday. “I’m concerned,” Harbaugh told reporters following the game. “We’ll find out tomorrow with an MRI what it is.” Upshaw originally injured his shoulder on July 28 in a collision with rookie running back Bernard Pierce, which caused him to miss the preseason opener in Atlanta. He finished the preseason with three tackles and one sack in three games. Concerns already existed over Upshaw’s slow progression as the Ravens are trying to generate a pass rush without Pro Bowl linebacker Terrell Suggs, who is on the physically unable to perform list and not expected to return until mid-November at the earliest. The Ravens were counting on the rookie from Alabama to step in as the starting

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