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Ravens-Cardinals inactives and pre-game notes

Luke Jones

BALTIMORE — As if an earthquake and hurricane in the same week wasn’t enough, a touch of snow in late October explains how strange of a start it’s been to the 2011 season in Baltimore. While it may not explain the inexplicable losses to Tennessee and Jacksonville, the Ravens will try to bring some normalcy back into the picture against the 1-5 Arizona Cardinals Sunday afternoon at M&T Bank Stadium. Having lost five in a row after a season-opening win over Carolina, the Cardinals face the daunting task of coming east to take on an angry Ravens team with something to prove on the offensive side of the football. Sunday marks the fifth all-time meeting between the teams, with the Ravens holding a 3-1 advantage in the series. The Cardinals’ only win over Baltimore came at Memorial Stadium in 1997. The Ravens have won 13 of their last 14 games at M&T Bank Stadium and have not lost consecutive games since October 2009 when they dropped three straight to New England, Cincinnati, and Minnesota. With cornerback Danny Gorrer injuring his thigh during Thursday’s practice, the Ravens will depend on rookie Jimmy Smith and returning veteran Chris Carr to handle duties

Ravens rule out Evans, Grubbs again for Cardinals

Luke Jones

OWINGS MILLS, Md. — Trying to find their way offensively as the struggling Arizona Cardinals visit M&T Bank Stadium on Sunday, the Ravens will once again be without starting wide receiver Lee Evans and left guard Ben Grubbs. Grubbs has been sidelined since playing in the season-opening win against Pittsburgh while Evans hasn’t played since the Ravens’ loss in Tennessee. Both players attempted to practice in post-bye week leading up to the Oct. 16 game against Houston, but neither has practice since their respective injuries did not respond well to increased activity. Linebacker Dannell Ellerbe and running back Anthony Allen were also ruled out for the second straight week as they both recover from thigh ailments. Despite giving Ravens fans a mild scare by sitting out Thursday’s practice and being a limited participant on Friday, safety Ed Reed was listed as probable on the final injury report of the week. Cornerback Chris Carr and safety Tom Zbikowski are also probable to make their returns to the field. Coach John Harbaugh confirmed Zbikowski had finally been cleared for contact after suffering from symptoms related to a concussion sustained against the New York Jets on Oct. 2. For Arizona, safety Kerry Rhodes

Ravens looking to turn page against struggling Cardinals

Luke Jones

OWINGS MILLS, Md. — Contrary to popular belief, the Ravens aren’t wallowing in misery following a nightmarish performance in Jacksonville with fallout that’s lingered deep into the week on internet message boards and talk radio. While the cliches about moving on and putting the loss behind them have been tossed around like cornhole bags flying through the Ravens locker room, Monday’s loss won’t officially be put behind them until they take the turf at M&T Bank Stadium against the struggling Arizona Cardinals. For a Ravens offense that needed nearly 40 minutes to collect its first first down of the night in Jacksonville, Arizona’s 26th-ranked defense is the right prescription to begin feeling good about itself again. “To be honest, it’s tough not to think about [a loss] a little bit all week until you go out there and beat the next opponent,” quarterback Joe Flacco said. “It’s always in the back of your mind a little bit. But, I think good teams put it past them and do the best they can to go out there and forget about it very quickly.” The Ravens have done a good job of that over the last two seasons, having won nine straight

Live from Owings Mills: Reed expected to play Sunday

Luke Jones

(Updated: 1:50 p.m.) OWINGS MILLS, Md. — As the Ravens practiced for the final time in preparation for the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday, safety Ed Reed was back on the field. His level of activity was up for debate, however, during a very brief period of practice that was open to the media. Reed did not appear to have a helmet, but he was going through the walk-through portion of practice, but he was spotted inside the building during the closing moments of practice Friday afternoon. Coach John Harbaugh confirmed Reed’s availability against the Cardinals following Friday’s practice. “Yeah, he’ll be able to play.” Reed did not participate during Thursday’s practice and was listed with a neck injury, which likely stems from the shoulder burner he sustained late in the fourth quarter against Jacksonville. The All-Pro safety practiced fully on Wednesday. There were no changes for receiver Lee Evans (ankle), guard Ben Grubbs (toe), linebacker Dannell Ellerbe (hamstring), and running back Anthony Allen (thigh), who were all missing from the practice field for the third straight day this week. None of the four are expected to play on Sunday and will likely be ruled out when the final injury report

Morning Reaction Picks and Comment – Week 8

Luke Jones

Here are this weekend’s picks as Drew Forrester and Luke Jones will pick every NFL game as well as local college football contests. As a special treat, we will pick our respective high schools’ games. Drew Forrester is 69-34 after finishing 9-4 last week while Luke Jones is 69-34 after an 8-5 record in Week 7. Official standings are only kept based on the NFL picks. To hear our full explanation for each pick, listen HERE. Cardinals at Ravens: Baltimore 29-10 (Drew), Baltimore 24-13 (Luke) Colts at Titans: Tennessee 24-17 (Drew), Tennessee 20-13 (Luke) Jaguars at Texans: Houston 27-10 (Drew), Houston 23-9 (Luke) Vikings at Panthers: Minnesota 23-20 (Drew), Carolina 24-17 (Luke) Saints at Rams: New Orleans 31-16 (Drew), New Orleans 34-10 (Luke) Dolphins at Giants: New York 24-7 (Drew), New York 27-12 (Luke) Redskins at Bills (Toronto): Buffalo 24-3 (Drew), Buffalo 27-14 (Luke) Lions at Broncos: Detroit 21-19 (Drew), Detroit 20-17 (Luke) Patriots at Pittsburgh: New England 27-23 (Drew), New England 30-24 (Luke) Browns at 49ers: San Francisco 24-20 (Drew), San Francisco 21-13 (Luke) Bengals at Seahawks: Seattle 24-21 (Drew), Cincinnati 17-10 (Luke) Cowboys at Eagles: Philadelphia 31-13 (Drew), Philadelphia 27-21 (Luke) Chargers at Chiefs: San Diego 27-16 (Drew),

Reed shows up on Ravens' Thursday injury report

Luke Jones

OWINGS MILLS, Md. — A day after safety Ed Reed and the Ravens thought they were in the clear following his fourth-quarter collision that caused a “burner” in his shoulder, the outlook didn’t look as promising for the All Pro as he missed practice on Thursday. Reed was listed as having a neck injury, which is likely related to the play in which he collided with defensive tackle Terrence Cody. The free safety left the game but returned soon after, saying after the game that he was OK. Despite Reed missing practicing, he is still expected to play against the Arizona Cardinals and spoke to reporters prior to the team’s workout on Thursday. Cornerback Danny Gorrer (thigh) was a limited participant after being nicked up during the special teams portion of practice viewed by the media. The defensive back was stretched out on the field for several minutes before he walked inside gingerly with a member of the training staff. It’s unknown whether Gorrer returned to practice. Cornerback Chris Carr was upgraded to a full participant on Thursday and is very likely to make his return to the field on Sunday after suffering a setback in the week leading up

Cameron provides few answers in shadow of Jacksonville debacle

Luke Jones

OWINGS MILLS, Md. — Facing the media less than 72 hours following one of the Ravens’ biggest offensive debacles in team history couldn’t have been an easy task for offensive coordinator Cam Cameron. The long-time NFL coach stood tall before the press in Owings Mills, answering every question without bristling or firing back with sarcasm. His overall message of the offense needing to move past Monday’s debacle and to turn its attention toward the Arizona Cardinals was the right one, if not totally predictable. However, when asked to address specific issues related to the Baltimore offense, Cameron didn’t say very much of substance at all. His answers were unimpressive, doing little to inspire confidence that things are turning in the right direction. You can only hear that it comes down to execution so many times before it begins falling on deaf ears, though fully acknowledging its significant part in the overall struggles of the offense. When asked about quarterback Joe Flacco’s comments from a day earlier that suggested the two-minute offense would function more quickly if he were calling the plays instead of waiting for Cameron to relay them in, the offensive coordinator didn’t disagree. However, his explanation only clouded

Live from Owings Mills: Grubbs, Evans again appearing unlikely to play

Luke Jones

OWINGS MILLS, Md. — Another day of preparation for the Arizona Cardinals brought similar results in terms of who wasn’t on the practice field Thursday. The Ravens were without receiver Lee Evans (left ankle), guard Ben Grubbs (right toe), running back Anthony Allen (thigh), and linebacker Dannell Ellerbe (thigh) for the second straight day this week. Barring a dramatic change on Friday, none are expected to play on Sunday. Evans said prior to practice that his left ankle is improving, but the 30-year-old wideout would not specify a timetable for his return to action in what amounted to anything but a ringing endorsement for his status against the Cardinals on Sunday. A possible new addition to the injury report was safety Ed Reed (shoulder), who was not identified during the open portion of practice as the Ravens worked on the field farthest away from the media viewing area. Reed practiced fully on Wednesday despite suffering a “burner” in a fourth-quarter collision with defensive tackle Terrence Cody on Monday night. Two players appeared to get nicked up during the open portion of practice on Thursday in a scene that more closely resembled training camp. Linebacker Prescott Burgess left the field for

Rice, Suggs moving past Monday night controversy

Luke Jones

OWINGS MILLS, Md. — With the Ravens returning to the practice field to begin preparations for the Arizona Cardinals on Wednesday, many were interested to learn if there would be any fallout from an unthinkable 12-7 loss in Jacksonville on Monday night. Running back Ray Rice received only eight carries and 13 touches as the Ravens were held to just 146 total yards and an embarrassing 16 in the first half. Linebacker Terrell Suggs sparked controversy following the game for questioning offensive coordinator Cam Cameron for not getting the ball in the star running back’s hands more often. Two days later, Rice made it clear he always wants the ball in order to help the offense, but expressed his desire to move past the disappointing loss. “I definitely expect to be more involved,” Rice said. “My involvement with this offense hasn’t changed since the beginning of the season. I don’t want Cam and them to feel like they’ve got to force me the ball. I’m not that kind of guy. My carries come when the whole offense has success. I look forward to having that success.” Suggs has drawn criticism for publicly questioning the coaching staff, but coach John Harbaugh

Ravens' Wednesday injury report looking lighter

Luke Jones

OWINGS MILLS, Md. — After weeks of injury reports with a laundry list of players, the Ravens appear to slowly be getting healthier as they returned to the practice field on Wednesday in preparation for the Arizona Cardinals. Safety Tom Zbikowski has not been cleared for contact, but his concussion-related symptoms have subsided and he was listed as a full participant in Wednesday’s shells-and-shorts practice. The strong safety was participating on his regular special teams units during the open portion of practice, a good indication the team expects him to be cleared to play against Arizona. Not appearing on the injury report for the first time since early September was cornerback Jimmy Smith. He practiced without limitation on Wednesday after coach John Harbaugh said the rookie was dealing with some soreness in the second half of Monday’s game, his first action since being injured in Week 1. Safety Ed Reed and defensive tackle Terrence Cody were not listed on the injury report, eliminating any lingering concern regarding each player after a fourth-quarter collision in Monday night’s game. There was no change, however, for starting wide receiver Lee Evans and starting left guard Ben Grubbs, who did not practice on Wednesday.

Live from Owings Mills: Reed, Cody practicing after Monday night collision

Luke Jones

OWINGS MILLS, Md. — Perhaps an even scarier scene than the Ravens’ horrific performance in a 12-7 loss on Monday was the fourth-quarter collision that left All-Pro safety Ed Reed and defensive tackle Terrence Cody lying on the ground in pain. However, the two were back on the practice field Wednesday afternoon, confirming coach John Harbaugh’s comments suggesting little concern for either player’s shoulder injury. Reed returned to the game after the collision after suffering a “burner” in the opposite shoulder of the chronic nerve impingement the safety has dealt with since the end of the 2007 season. Cornerback Jimmy Smith was also back on the practice field after Harbaugh said the rookie did not take part in any defensive snaps due to soreness in the left ankle that sidelined him for six weeks. The first-round pick had not played since sustaining a high ankle sprain covering a kickoff early in the season opener. Safety Tom Zbikowski (concussion) and cornerback Chris Carr (hamstring) were also taking part in the open portion of practice on Wednesday after both were inactive against the Jaguars. Zbikowski appeared to be more active after practicing on a limited basis last week, a possible indication that

Morning Reaction Tuesday Top 7 Ravens for Week 7

Luke Jones

Below are our (day-late) Tuesday Top 7 Ravens players in the shocking 12-7 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars on Monday night. We’ll track our rankings throughout the 2011 season with the following point system: No. 1 – 7 points No. 2 – 6 points No. 3 – 5 points No. 4 – 4 points No. 5 – 3 points No. 6 – 2 points No. 7 – 1 point To hear the full explanation for our respective picks, click right HERE. Luke Jones’ Top 7 … 7) Haloti Ngata 6) Ray Lewis 5) Jameel McClain 4) Sam Koch 3) Cary Williams 2) Terrell Suggs 1) Bernard Pollard Drew Forrester’s Top 7 … 7) Dennis Pitta 6) Ed Reed 5) Terrell Suggs 4) Jameel McClain 3) Bernard Pollard 2) Sam Koch 1) Ray Lewis SEASON TO DATE: Luke Jones: 1. Ray Rice (24 points) 2. Haloti Ngata (24 points) 3. Terrell Suggs (22 points) 4. Joe Flacco (15 points) 5. Ed Reed (8 points) 5. Anquan Boldin (8 points) 5. Ray Lewis (8 points) 8. Bernard Pollard (7 points) 8. Cary Williams (7 points) 10. David Reed (6 points) 10. Torrey Smith (6 points) 10. Terrence Cody (6 points) 13. Bryant

Harbaugh making no excuses for Ravens' offensive woes

Luke Jones

OWINGS MILLS, Md. — Less than 24 hours after the Ravens turned in one of their worst offensive performances in franchise history, coach John Harbaugh would not sugarcoat the fallout from a 12-7 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars. Baltimore mustered only 146 total yards and failed to register a first down in the first forty minutes of the game. It was even worse in the first half as the Ravens produced just 16 yards of offense in 25 plays, conjuring nightmares from their darkest offensive days of the 16-year history of the team. “No excuses,” Harbaugh said. “[It] has to be a lot better. Not even close to the way we’re capable of performing on offense. Everybody realizes that. We’ve all got to do a better job, starting with me. I’ve got to do a better job making some decisions, and we’ve all got to do a better job of coaching, playing, executing, all those different things.” Predictably, Cam Cameron has received a large amount of the criticism from fans on local talk radio and internet message boards after the Ravens were nearly shut out for the first time since 2002. The offensive coordinator has come under fire over the

Ravens reach uncharted territory under Harbaugh in humiliating Monday night defeat

Luke Jones

Owner Steve Bisciotti had previously expressed his displeasure over his team not playing a Monday night home again in the four years John Harbaugh has coached the Baltimore Ravens. After a humiliating debacle in Jacksonville, however, Bisciotti might be asking that his team be left off the Monday night slate altogether. The 12-7 loss to the Jaguars doesn’t top the Ravens’ embarrassing 38-7 meltdown in Pittsburgh on a Monday night in 2007, but at least that defeat came against an eventual playoff team. For as much credit as we should give Jacksonville’s defense in holding the Ravens to just seven points and 146 yards of offense, the Jaguars were 1-5 for a reason, entering Week 7 with the 32nd-ranked offense in the NFL. Though it’s just one loss in the grand scheme of a 16-game schedule, this offensive display is the type of performance that causes you to question who you are as a football team. These types of losses simply haven’t taken place in the Harbaugh era, as the Ravens entered Monday night with a 19-2 record against sub-.500 teams — the two losses coming against 0-1 squads — over the last four seasons. And it was the Ravens’

Ravens-Jaguars: Inactives and pre-game notes

Luke Jones

Renewing acquaintances with the franchise that was formerly the bane of their existence, the Ravens travel to Jacksonville to take on the 1-5 Jaguars and to try to retain their hold of the AFC North through the first seven weeks of the 2011 season. Jacksonville dominated the Ravens in the infancy of the Baltimore franchise, winning the first eight meetings before a 39-36 victory in Sept. 2000 ended the Jaguars’ run of supremacy and propelled the Ravens toward their first Super Bowl championship. The last-second victory sparked the Ravens’ current run of seven victories in eight tries with the games between the two more sporadic after divisional realignment in 2002. With tonight’s game appearing to be a mismatch due to Jacksonville having, statistically-speaking, the worst offense in the NFL and the 32nd-ranked passing attack, the Ravens will be hell-bent on slowing down Maurice Jones-Drew and the Jaguars’ rushing attack. Possessing the league’s third-ranked run defense, Baltimore appears equipped to handle it. The Ravens are 7-8 all-time on Monday Night Football and will look to improve to 4-2 in Monday night games played in the John Harbaugh era. All six of those Monday affairs, however, have been played on the road.

Hey Peter Angelos: If you can’t honor Brooks Robinson, why the hell do you own the Orioles?

Nestor Aparicio

After attending the amazing and memorable Brooks Robinson statue unveiling in front of Pickles Pub on Saturday afternoon my emotions left me two choices – either speak out about the painfully obvious and disgraceful lack of participation by Peter G. Angelos and the Baltimore Orioles or do what the rest of these phonies in the local bought-off media have done: turn a blind eye to the biggest and smelliest orange elephant in the middle of downtown Baltimore and refuse to ask the tough questions. So today is a day when I again unleash my raging fury regarding this sham on Baltimoreans everywhere perpetrated by the smallest of small men of our time in Maryland – Peter G. Angelos. There were roughly a thousand hearty Orioles fans and Brooks admirers at the feet of that gorgeous statue this weekend for a man who literally lifted the first shovel in erecting the modern era of professional sports in Baltimore. Brooks Robinson is a walking living legend and civic treasure and one whose inherent goodness and decency has been wasted over the past 20 years by this awful, mean-spirited and petty ownership group and the Angelos ownership reign of terror that has turned

Unveiling of Brooks Robinson statue very emotional for No. 5

Nestor Aparicio

It was like a scene out of a movie today in downtown Baltimore, as Brooks Robinson was feted with a lifetime of community contributions with a beautiful statue at the foot of Russell Street on the plot of land in front of Pickles Pub. Visitors coming from the south will be greeted by a barehanded, throwing Brooks Robinson in the motion of cutting down another runner. Come with us now at WNST.net via the amazing world of WNStv and take in an afternoon in honor of Brooks Robinson from the statue site. Enjoy these incredible stories of how No. 5 helped shape our lives in sports in Baltimore. Here’s the entire speech from Brooks Robinson: [youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v2WfCI4V59Y[/youtube] Here’s the unveiling of the statue: [youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MrbRrcAxv_k[/youtube] Josh Charles amazing speech: [youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5kMS6gUaDac[/youtube] Barbara Mikulski’s incredibe authenticity, passion and humor: [youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fnc03DqJWaA[/youtube] Henry Rosenberg, former CEO of Crown Central Petroleum and great friend and business partner with Brooks. He is the one who got this amazing statue built and deserves all of the credit: [youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=choveOOFsWk[/youtube] World-renowned sculptor Joseph Sheppard of Baltimore talks about why he made Brooks Robinson statue and all of the fun facts: [youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bzbzh1P-Yss[/youtube]

Ravens injury report: Evans, Grubbs out again; J. Smith probable against Jacksonville

Luke Jones

OWINGS MILLS, Md. — The Ravens released their final injury report of the week on Saturday with the expected news that wide receiver Lee Evans and guard Ben Grubbs would be out again after not practicing all week in preparation for the Jacksonville Jaguars on Monday night. However, rookie cornerback Jimmy Smith is probable to play after missing the last four games with a high ankle sprain sustained early in the Ravens’ season-opening win over Pittsburgh on Sept. 11. Smith practiced fully for the second straight day on Saturday and appears more likely to play than fellow cornerback Chris Carr, who is listed as questionable after practicing on a limited basis all week. “I feel good,” Smith said before the injury report was released. “I don’t know if I’m going to be able to play this game, but I feel good. I mean, I’m optimistic like I said before, [but] I really don’t know what the coach is going to do with it.” Many have speculated whether the Ravens should play Smith against the Jaguars, who are ranked last in the league in passing offense, or hold him out to get another week of practice under his belt before returning

Live from Owings Mills: Ravens make final preparations for Jacksonville

Luke Jones

OWINGS MILLS, Md. — With the Ravens traveling to Jacksonville to meet the Jaguars on Monday night, they were back on the field Saturday morning with the injury picture becoming clearer. Once again, wide receiver Lee Evans (left ankle) and Ben Grubbs (right toe) were missing from the field as the Ravens worked indoors for their final practice of the week. Neither player has worked this week nor participated in the team’s morning walk-throughs, making it an almost certainty that both will be unavailable against Jacksonville. Safety Tom Zbikowski (concussion) was on the field and appeared to be practicing on a very limited basis during the portion open to the media. He has not been cleared for contact and did not participate in Friday’s practice after being a limited participant on Thursday. Cornerback Chris Carr (left thigh) looked to be working on a limited basis for the third straight day, which might be an indication that the Ravens intend to hold out the veteran defensive back. Carr has dealt with the same hamstring injury for over two months. Linebacker Jarret Johnson (back) and cornerback Jimmy Smith (left ankle) were also practicing after participating fully on Friday. It will be interesting

Ravens' rookie receivers trying to grow on the fly

Luke Jones

OWINGS MILLS, Md. — The cliches and jargon has been tossed around since the Ravens began training camp after releasing veterans Derrick Mason and Todd Heap in late July. The passing game will be a work in progress, but the talent is there, they said. The Ravens acquired veteran Lee Evans halfway through the preseason to provide a vertical threat and add experience to a very young group of receivers led by veteran Anquan Boldin. Evans, however, has been stricken with a left ankle injury since the third preseason game and hasn’t played since Week 2. In his absence, Baltimore’s rookie receivers have collected just 11 receptions in five games, good for only 40.4 percent of quarterback Joe Flacco’s 89 completions this season. Ravens wideouts accounted for 50.9 percent of Flacco’s completions last year when Mason, Boldin, and T.J. Houshmandzadeh occupied the top three spots on the depth chart. Despite the light production from the rookie group of Torrey Smith, LaQuan Williams, and Tandon Doss, the coaching staff still claims they’re seeing development through the first five regular-season games, even if it hasn’t translated on the field. “Just tremendous growth,” offensive coordinator Cam Cameron said. “Again, we get to see

Jimmy Smith a full participant on Ravens' Friday injury report

Luke Jones

OWINGS MILLS, Md. — The likelihood of Ravens cornerback Jimmy Smith returning to action on Monday continues to grow after the rookie was listed as a full participant on Friday’s injury report. Linebacker Jarret Johnson was also a full participant after missing Thursday’s practice with a back ailment. However, the news wasn’t all good as safety Tom Zbikowski did not practice as he continues to deal with concussion-like symptoms, joining receiver Lee Evans and guard Ben Grubbs as non-participants on Friday. Former Ravens safety Dawan Landry appeared on Jacksonville’s injury report for the first time on Friday and is dealing with a thigh injury. BALTIMORE OUT – LB Dannell Ellerbe (thigh), RB Anthony Allen (thigh) DID NOT PARTICIPATE – G Ben Grubbs (toe), WR Lee Evans (ankle), S Tom Zbikowski (head) LIMITED – CB Chris Carr (thigh) FULL PARTICIPATION – CB Jimmy Smith (ankle), LB Jarret Johnson (back) JACKSONVILLE DID NOT PARTICIPATE – T Eben Britton (back), S Courtney Greene (hamsting) LIMITED – G Jason Spitz (quad), S Dawan Landry (thigh) FULL PARTICIPATION – DT Tyson Alualu (knee), CB Derek Cox (groin), RB Greg Jones (non-injury related), RB Maurice Jones-Drew (non-injury related), DE Aaron Kampman (non-injury related), CB Rashean Mathis

Live from Owings Mills: Zbikowski joins Evans, Grubbs as absentees on Friday

Luke Jones

OWINGS MILLS, Md. — Offensive starters Lee Evans and Ben Grubbs were missing from the practice field for the second straight day on Friday, making it very unlikely either will return to action against the Jacksonville Jaguars on Monday night. In fact, neither was even present for the Ravens’ morning walk-through, an indication the team is not even planning for the possibility of Evans or Grubbs to return to the lineup. Grubbs has not played since Week 1 after suffering a right toe injury while Evans has been sidelined since the Week 2 loss in Tennessee with a left ankle injury. Both players returned to the practice field early last week before having setbacks. Safety Tom Zbikowski joined Evans and Grubbs as a non-participant after he worked on a limited basis on Thursday. The four-year veteran has still not been cleared for contact since sustaining a concussion against the New York Jets on Oct. 2. Cornerbacks Jimmy Smith and Chris Carr were practicing for the second consecutive day after working on a limited basis on Thursday. While it’s still a mystery whether either plays against Jacksonville, the Ravens appear to be getting healthier in the secondary than they’ve been since

Pagano says rookie CB Smith "starting over" after injury layoff

Luke Jones

OWINGS MILLS, Md. — The return of cornerback Jimmy Smith to the practice field on Thursday was a welcome sight for the Ravens after selecting the rookie with the 27th overall pick in April’s draft. However, those expecting Smith to step right into the lineup and replace Lardarius Webb or Cary Williams as one of the starting cornerbacks might be setting unrealistic expectations. After injuring his left ankle early in the first quarter against Pittsburgh in the regular-season opener on Sept. 11, the progress Smith had made during the preseason in adjusting to the speed of the game has been stunted after a five-week layoff. Smith appeared on his way to earning a starting position in the secondary early in the season before he was injured covering a kickoff in the first quarter against the Steelers. “It’ll be tough again,” defensive coordinator Chuck Pagano. “It’s like starting all over again with him. Throw him out there and see where he’s at and see how he continues to progress throughout the weekend and see Monday night where he’s at. He’ll be OK. He’ll do a good job.” Smith practiced on a limited basis on Thursday, and conventional wisdom says the Ravens

Morning Reaction Picks and Comment – Week 7

Luke Jones

Here are this weekend’s picks as Drew Forrester and Luke Jones will pick every NFL game as well as local college football contests. As a special treat, we will pick our respective high schools’ games. Drew Forrester is 60-30 after finishing 9-4 last week while Luke Jones is 61-29 after a 10-3 record in Week 6. Official standings are only kept based on the NFL picks. Ravens at Jaguars: Baltimore 30-10 (Drew), Baltimore 24-10 (Luke) Seahawks at Browns: Cleveland 24-21 (Drew), Cleveland 21-17 (Luke) Falcons at Lions: Detroit 28-17 (Drew), Atlanta 31-27 (Luke) Texans at Titans: Tennessee 24-20 (Drew), Tennessee 27-20 (Luke) Broncos at Dolphins: Denver 17-16 (Drew), Denver 13-10 (Luke) Chargers at Jets: San Diego 29-23 (Drew), New York 24-20 (Luke) Bears at Buccaneers: Chicago 20-17 (Drew), Tampa Bay 21-14 (Luke) Redskins at Panthers: Carolina 24-23 (Drew), Washington 21-20 (Luke) Chiefs at Raiders: Kansas City 23-20 OT (Drew), Oakland 21-14 (Luke) Steelers at Cardinals: Pittsburgh 27-23 (Drew), Pittsburgh 17-13 (Luke) Rams at Cowboys: Dallas 34-20 (Drew), Dallas 27-16 (Luke) Packers at Vikings: Green Bay 33-21 (Drew), Green Bay 31-13 (Luke) Colts at Saints: New Orleans 34-17 (Drew), New Orleans 31-14 (Luke) Maryland at Florida State: Seminoles 34-27 (Drew), Seminoles

Ravens rule out Ellerbe, Allen on Thursday's injury report

Luke Jones

OWINGS MILLS, Md. — On the same day cornerbacks Jimmy Smith and Chris Carr returned to the practice field after long layoffs, the Ravens have already ruled out two others for their Monday night game in Jacksonville. Linebacker Dannell Ellerbe and running back Anthony Allen both have thigh injuries and were declared out on Thursday after both were listed as probable on last week’s injury report against the Texans. Ellerbe injured his opposite leg against Houston while it is unknown what exactly happened to Allen, as the the Ravens did not report any new injuries following Sunday’s game. Wide receiver Lee Evans and left guard Ben Grubbs did not participate in Thursday’s practice, and it appears more likely that each player will be missing from action again. Grubbs has missed four straight games while Evans has not played since Week 2 against the Tennessee Titans. Linebacker Jarret Johnson (back) did not practice on Thursday, but the injury is not expected to be serious as the veteran was present on the field during the workout and appeared to be moving around without much limitation. Jacksonville saw two players miss practice on Thursday, offensive lineman Eben Britton and reserve safety Courtney Greene,

Small stature, giant impact: Ravens' Rice, Jaguars' Jones-Drew drive respective offenses

Luke Jones

OWINGS MILLS, Md. — The two shortest players on the field at EverBank Field in Jacksonville will have the biggest impact when the Ravens face the Jacksonville Jaguars in a primetime meeting on Monday night. It’s the same story every week for the 5-foot-8 Ray Rice and Jacksonville’s 5-foot-7 Maurice Jones-Drew as they’re each the most dynamic player on their respective offenses. Rice is responsible for 38.1 percent of Baltimore’s offensive production while Jones-Drew accounts for 41.4 percent of Jacksonville’s total yardage. Both will be opposed by defenses familiar with going against a small-statured back every day in practice, but Jones-Drew will deal with the third-ranked rush defense while the 1-5 Jaguars only offer the 19th-best unit when it comes to stopping the run. “They are facing our defense — a great defense,” Rice said. “We get to face them. Regardless of their record, they have a great defense, we all know. You sort of have a little battle — myself vs. Jones-Drew. Let’s see who comes out as the better running back that day. It’s just a nice game, nice Monday Night Football game. It doesn’t matter what anybody’s record is, [on] Monday Night Football, a lot of great

Live from Owings Mills: J. Smith, Carr return to practice

Luke Jones

OWINGS MILLS, Md. — For the first time since injuring his left ankle on kickoff coverage early in the season opener against Pittsburgh, rookie cornerback Jimmy Smith returned to the practice field on Thursday in what amounts to a very good sign for the Ravens secondary. Moving around quickly and hitting a blocking sled without any visible limitation, Baltimore’s first-round draft pick appears close to returning to action after suffering a high ankle sprain against the Steelers and missing the last four games. While it’s far from a sure thing that Smith would return to action this Monday night against Jacksonville, the talented 6-foot-2 cornerback moving around so well on the practice field is a welcome sign, especially with a rematch with the Steelers in Pittsburgh only two weeks away. Smith was joined by fellow cornerback Chris Carr in returning to the practice field after the veteran has missed the last two games with the same injured left hamstring that’s limited him since the middle of August. Carr had returned to action against the St. Louis Rams before experiencing a setback in a practice leading up to the game against the Jets and has been out ever since. Tom Zbikowski

Rookie quarterback Gabbert in Ravens' defensive crosshairs

Luke Jones

OWINGS MILLS, Md. — Not only will Jacksonville quarterback Blaine Gabbert find himself in the national spotlight of Monday night for the first time, but the vaunted Ravens defense will be staring at him across the line of scrimmage. It’s the scariest of propositions for a rookie quarterback, comparable to being thrown into the lion’s den in ancient times. And while Ravens defensive players weren’t exactly giving away bulletin board material on Wednesday, they have to be licking their chops going against Gabbert and the 32nd-ranked passing offense in the NFL. The Jaguars have scored just 72 points in six games this season, losing five straight after a season-opening win over Tennessee in which current backup Luke McCown received the start. Gabbert has started the Jaguars’ last four games, throwing four touchdowns and two interceptions while completing only 48.8 percent of his passes after Jacksonville selected the former Missouri quarterback with the 10th overall pick in April’s draft. However, the Ravens say they won’t deviate from their usual game plan just because a rookie is under center. “It’s not going to be any different for us [in terms of] preparation week-to-week,” safety Ed Reed said. “Yes, there can be some

Ravens re-sign LB Burgess, part ways with OL LeVoir

Luke Jones

With linebacker and special teams contributor Dannell Ellerbe continuing to battle injuries, the Ravens have re-signed special teams standout Prescott Burgess. The team also announced offensive lineman Mark LeVoir has been waived to clear room on the 53-man roster. Burgess was cut at the conclusion of the preseason before the Ravens re-signed him after placing cornerback Domonique Foxworth on injured reserve on Sept. 28. The veteran linebacker was then cut during the bye week when the Ravens signed cornerback and return specialist Bryan McCann on Oct. 4. Ellerbe was inactive for the Ravens’ Week 4 victory over the New York Jets before returning to action against Houston on Sunday. Coach John Harbaugh did not report any new injuries or give an update on Ellerbe following Sunday’s game or during his Monday press conference in Owings Mills. LeVoir was inactive against the Texans on Sunday and fell out of favor when he struggled playing in place of injured guard Ben Grubbs against the Tennessee Titans in Week 2. LeVoir was inactive the following week against St. Louis and may have only been active against the Jets in Week 4 because the Ravens’ seven inactive players were all missing the game due

Morning Reaction Tuesday Top 7 Ravens for Week 6

Luke Jones

Below are our Top 7 Ravens players in the 29-14 victory over the Houston Texans on Sunday. We’ll track our rankings throughout the 2011 season with the following point system: No. 1 – 7 points No. 2 – 6 points No. 3 – 5 points No. 4 – 4 points No. 5 – 3 points No. 6 – 2 points No. 7 – 1 point To hear the full explanation for our respective picks, click right HERE. Luke Jones’ Top 7 … 7) Terrence Cody 6) Billy Cundiff 5) Ray Lewis 4) Joe Flacco 3) Ray Rice 2) Haloti Ngata 1) Anquan Boldin Drew Forrester’s Top 7 … 7) Bernard Pollard 6) Haloti Ngata 5) Billy Cundiff 4) Joe Flacco 3) Ray Lewis 2) Anquan Boldin 1) Ray Rice SEASON TO DATE: Luke Jones: 1. Ray Rice (24 points) 2. Haloti Ngata (23 points) 3. Terrell Suggs (16 points) 4. Joe Flacco (15 points) 5. Ed Reed (8 points) 5. Anquan Boldin (8 points) 7. David Reed (6 points) 7. Torrey Smith (6 points) 7.Terrence Cody (6 points) 7. Ray Lewis (6 points) 11. Bryant McKinnie (5 points) 11. Lardarius Webb (5 points) 11. Billy Cundiff (5 points) 13. Cory

Harbaugh sidestepping brother's controversy, Ravens' Monday night snubs

Luke Jones

OWINGS MILLS, Md. — In the aftermath of the Ravens’ 29-14 win over Houston on Sunday evening, coach John Harbaugh was asked whether he had heard about the altercation involving his younger brother following the 49ers’ big road win over Jim Schwartz and the Detroit Lions earlier in the day. Harbaugh only spoke in general terms on Sunday since the incident occurred as Baltimore’s 4:05 game with Houston was getting underway. [youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KzgLzVxFdQc[/youtube] A day later, the Ravens coach was asked whether he had spoken to Jim Harbaugh about the incident to get his view of what transpired. Predictably, Harbaugh would not reveal specific details of what he talked about with his brother but gave a clear indication who he was supporting — to no one’s surprise. “I think I know who was right, but whoever was right or wrong, I know whose side I’m on,” said Harbaugh, drawing laughs from the media. “I’m definitely taking sides — the same side I’ve always taken.” The younger Harbaugh has been criticized for the handshake and slap on the back he offered Schwartz following San Francisco’s impressive 25-19 win. Schwartz took issue with Harbaugh’s decorum in celebrating the Week 6 victory as the

Ravens wear out Texans early, run them over late

Luke Jones

BALTIMORE — In his post-game comments following the Ravens’ 29-14 win over the Houston Texans, coach John Harbaugh offered a mission statement of what his football team tries to do to the opponent every week. And it certainly applied on Sunday despite an uneven performance by the offense in the second and third quarters. “What you want to do is to wear people out early, and then you want to run them over late,” coach John Harbaugh said. “That’s kind of the philosophy that we have.” The Ravens started fast against the Texans with a 16-play, 97-yard touchdown drive that shaved 8:47 off the clock in the first quarter before Joe Flacco bulled into the end zone from the 1 to give Baltimore a 7-0 lead. It was the first touchdown allowed by Houston in the first quarter all season. However, despite 310 total yards through the game’s first three quarters, the Ravens entered the final 15 minutes only leading by two as the offense continued to sputter inside the 35, settling for three Billy Cundiff field goals after the touchdown on their opening drive. That changed in the fourth quarter as the Ravens began running over the Texans just

Ravens-Texans: Five predictions for Sunday

Luke Jones

The Week 5 bye was supposed to take care of their injury woes, but the Ravens will again be without a minimum of four key contributors as Lee Evans, Chris Carr, Tom Zbikowski, and Jimmy Smith have been ruled out and Ben Grubbs’ status (listed as questionable ) remains very much in doubt against Houston on Sunday. Of course, the 3-2 Texans won’t feel any pity for Baltimore as they come to M&T Bank Stadium for the teams’ fifth all-time meeting. With defensive standout Mario Williams gone for the year after tearing a pectoral muscle last Sunday, the Texans have already ruled out star receiver Andre Johnson and an astonishing 20 other players are listed on the injury report for Sunday (19 of them probable, however). With the Texans already facing an uphill battle by playing in Baltimore for the first time since 2005, the loss of Williams and Johnson sucks the starch out of what looked to be a prime AFC matchup and one of the Ravens’ bigger challenges on the schedule entering the season. Here’s what to expect when Gary Kubiak’s Texans try to win their first ever game against the Ravens … 1. Fullback Vonta Leach had

Ravens injury report: Evans, three others ruled out against Texans

Luke Jones

OWINGS MILLS, Md. — Despite optimism that the bye week would return a fully-healthy roster, the Ravens know they will already be without four players for Sunday’s game against Houston. Wide receiver Lee Evans, safety Tom Zbikowski, and cornerbacks Chris Carr and Jimmy Smith were ruled out in Friday’s injury report. Evans will now miss his third straight game as he continues to deal with a left ankle injury. Optimism existed when the veteran wideout return to the practice field earlier in the week, but Evans did not practice on Thursday and Friday. “He’s going to need some practice,” Harbaugh said. “It’s been very disappointing. No one’s been more surprised than us. But, [we’ll] just wait and see if the doctors can figure it out. He has to keep working on it.” Zbikowski is still dealing with symptoms stemming from a concussion he suffered against the Jets on Oct. 2 and did not practice on Thursday or Friday after doing some individual work on Wednesday. Carr and Smith were expected to miss Sunday’s game as neither partook in practice all week. Starting left guard Ben Grubbs is listed as questionable for Sunday and has not played since the regular-season opener

Reed holding together battered, youthful Ravens secondary

Luke Jones

OWINGS MILLS, Md. — The Ravens entered the 2011 season with greater depth at cornerback than at any point in recent memory. Then, they began dropping like flies. Jimmy Smith and Chris Carr went down in the regular-season opener, neither one of them currently healthy a month later. Domonique Foxworth was placed on injured reserve after his surgically-repaired knee would not cooperate in getting the former starter back on the field. As a result, Cary Williams and Lardarius Webb — and the four career starts between them entering 2011 — have held down the starting cornerback positions through the quarter pole of the season. And, surprisingly, the Ravens are tied for eighth in pass defense. Much credit goes to an improved Baltimore pass rush and a more aggressive approach from new defensive coordinator Chuck Pagano, but the Ravens can also be thankful for their future Hall of Fame safety and the leadership he’s provided in an otherwise youthful secondary. A chronic nerve impingement in his neck and shoulder and a hip injury have severely hampered Ed Reed over the last three seasons, but the All-Pro playmaker appears healthier this season after participating in most training camp practices — Reed missed

Live from Owings Mills: Evans essentially ruled out, Grubbs game-time decision

Luke Jones

(Updated: 1:45 p.m.) OWINGS MILLS, Md. — Friday’s practice looked very similar to Thursday as the Ravens failed to receive any encouraging signs from wide receiver Lee Evans or left guard Ben Grubbs in terms of practice participation. Coach John Harbaugh essentially ruled out Evans for Sunday, citing his need to get back to practicing in order to play in games. “I don’t see him playing in a game right now.” Harbaugh also revealed to the media following Friday’s practice that Grubbs’ injured right toe was stepped on during practice earlier in the week, which has slowed his progress. He will be a game-time decision, according to the head coach. Evans (left ankle) was absent from the portion of practice open to the media after missing Thursday’s practice. Despite practicing earlier in the week, it’s appearing more likely the 30-year-old wideout will miss his third straight game. Grubbs (right toe) was seen walking on the Ravens’ indoor practice field as media exited, but he was not carrying a helmet or taped up. The offensive lineman was listed as limited on Thursday despite not wearing a helmet or appearing to take part in any drills during the open portion of practice.

Cameron with a vertical vision for Ravens passing game

Luke Jones

OWINGS MILLS, Md. — With the Ravens enjoying their bye last week, offensive coordinator Cam Cameron spent time evaluating every aspect of the offense through four weeks of the season. His verdict was predictable, saying the Ravens aren’t really doing anything consistently great on the offensive side of the football, but he did make an interesting observation regarding opposing defenses. Despite Lee Evans playing only two games and the Ravens relying on rookie Torrey Smith as a starting receiver opposite Anquan Boldin, Cameron believes opposing defenses are respecting the potential of the Baltimore passing game despite only being ranked 18th in the NFL. “What I do really like is the fact [that] I sense that people feel like they better back up,” Cameron said. “And I think that fits our style as a team. We want to be a vertical passing team — that’s the first thing we talk about — and secondly, a high (completion) percentage team” Of course, potential is one thing and production is another as Joe Flacco’s 49.3 percent completion percentage must improve if the Ravens are to consistently move the chains and register enough points every week. Evans’ health will also play a major factor

Evans trending in wrong direction in Ravens' Thursday injury report

Luke Jones

OWINGS MILLS, Md. — A day after it looked like veteran wide receiver Lee Evans was on the right track to making his return to the field against the Houston Texans on Sunday, he found himself back in a familiar position. Not participating in practice. Evans, along with safety Tom Zbikowski, did not practice on Thursday after being listed as limited participants a day earlier. Left guard Ben Grubbs was listed as limited for the second straight day, but the offensive lineman was not doing much during the portion of practice open to media and did not appear to have his helmet with him on the field. Zbikowski is still dealing with symptoms from a concussion sustained against the New York Jets on Oct. 2 and has not been cleared for contact. The four other players listed as limited on Wednesday’s report participated fully on Thursday, including safety Haruki Nakamura, who missed the Jets game with a torn PCL in his knee, and return specialist David Reed, who has not played since sustaining a shoulder injury against the Tennessee Titans in Week 2. Houston Texans quarterback Matt Schaub participated in Thursday’s practice on a limited basis after sitting out Wednesday

Live from Owings Mills: Grubbs, Evans sidelined again after one-day return to practice

Luke Jones

OWINGS MILLS, Md. — If Wednesday’s injury report was an encouraging shot in the arm as the banged-up Ravens officially turned their sights toward the Houston Texans, Thursday might feel like a swift kick to the gut. After returning to practice on a limited basis a day earlier, wide receiver Lee Evans (ankle) and left guard Ben Grubbs (toe) were not practicing during the portion of practice open to the media on Thursday, point the needle in the wrong direction in terms of their status for Sunday. Grubbs was on the field without a helmet as he watched his fellow offensive linemen participate in positional drills while Evans was not present during the first 30 minutes of practice. Safety Tom Zbikowski (concussion) was also missing during the open portion of the workout after practicing on a limited basis on Wednesday. The fourth-year safety had not been cleared of contact as of Wednesday and experienced concussion-related symptoms during the bye week. Evans, Grubbs, and Zbikowski joined cornerbacks Chris Carr (hamstring) and Jimmy Smith (ankle) as the five players not participating during the open portion of Wednesday’s workout. For the second straight day, Smith was on the field in street clothes, but

With Ravens fans snickering at Mason, has Boldin received a free pass in Baltimore?

Luke Jones

After Derrick Mason’s abrupt departure from the New York Jets on Tuesday night, many fans have offered their zingers and potshots at the former Ravens receiver, whose poor production and crumbling relationship with the Jets coaching staff led to him being traded to the Houston Texans for a seventh-round pick. While I couldn’t resist making a snide comment or two about the whole situation, I’m mystified at the amount of disdain hurled toward the Ravens’ all-time leading receiver who caught 29 touchdowns in his six seasons in Baltimore. Yes, he could be a cranky diva — not unlike most productive wide receivers, mind you — but far too many are discrediting his work. The reliability he provided for a rookie quarterback named Joe Flacco, who was thrown into the starting lineup out of necessity in 2008, turned a potentially disastrous situation into one of the most enjoyable seasons the Ravens have ever had and sparked a promising career of a franchise quarterback. Yes, it was time for Mason and the team to part ways, especially with the 37-year-old’s high salary-cap number in 2011, as many expected his production to be absorbed by veteran Anquan Boldin in his second season with

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