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Redding, Cody return to practice on limited basis in Ravens' Thursday injury report

Luke Jones

OWINGS MILLS, Md. — Despite Thursday’s injury report looking much improved after seven players missed practice a day earlier, two key offensive starters missed practice for the second straight day as the Ravens continue preparations for the St. Louis Rams. Wide receiver Lee Evans (ankle) and guard Ben Grubbs (toe) were both absent from the field and remain question marks for Sunday as the Ravens hope to improve their underwhelming 13-point output from a week ago. The Rams received good news on Thursday with the return of running back Steven Jackson (quad) to the practice field. Jackson was injured early in the Rams’ season-opening loss to the Phildelphia Eagles. The 240-pound back practiced on a limited basis. BALTIMORE DID NOT PARTICIPATE – G Ben Grubbs (toe), WR Lee Evans (ankle), WR David Reed, CB Jimmy Smith (ankle) LIMITED – CB Chris Carr (thigh), DT Terrence Cody (concussion), DE Cory Redding (toe) FULL PARTICIPANT – C Matt Birk (knee) ST. LOUIS DID NOT PARTICIPATE – WR Danny Amendola (elbow), RB Carnell Williams (hamstring) LIMITED – RB Steven Jackson (quad), TE Michaeel Hoomanawanui (calf), DE CJ Ah You (wrist), LB Ben Leber (groin) FULL PARTICIPANT – WR Greg Salas (ribs)

Slowing Rams' offensive tempo a priority for Ravens defense

Luke Jones

OWINGS MILLS, Md. — While many have focused on the failures of the Ravens offense and questioned the decision-making of offensive coordinator Cam Cameron following the 26-13 loss to Tennessee, the vaunted Baltimore defense wilted in the second half against Matt Hasselbeck and the Titans offense. After allowing 10 points in the first half, the Ravens had no answers for Hasselbeck and the passing game after intermission, allowing scores on five of six Tennessee possessions as the Titans controlled the clock for much of the second half. The 358 passing yards allowed left Baltimore as the 28th-ranked pass defense in the NFL after two weeks, as the Ravens cope with the physical ailments of Jimmy Smith, Chris Carr, and Domonique Foxworth. The Ravens are ranked 22nd overall in total defense, unacceptable territory for a team with such a defensive tradition — even if only after two weeks. Hasselbeck’s quick release made it difficult for the Ravens to create pressure on the veteran quarterback, but defensive coordinator Chuck Pagano accepted blame for not mixing up the looks he provided well enough in the disappointing performance. “We’ve got to do our job — whether we put them in man coverage or zone

Live from Owings Mills: Cody, Redding, Birk return to practice on Thursday

Luke Jones

OWINGS MILLS, Md. — Facing a plethora of injuries, some serious and others of the nagging variety, the Ravens saw three players return to the practice field on Thursday after being absent a day ago. Defensive tackle Terrence Cody, defensive end Cory Redding, and center Matt Birk (knee) were back on the field during the portion of practice open to the media. Cody sustained a concussion in the 26-13 loss to the Titans on Sunday but passed the battery of baseline tests required to return to action. However, Cody went through position drills without a helmet, indicating he was limited in his return to practice. Redding sat out Wednesday’s workout with a toe injury, but the 30-year-old did not appear to be limited as he took part in drills with the rest of the defensive line. Birk’s return was expected after Wednesday appeared to simply be a day off for the 35-year-old center. He did not take part in the preseason after undergoing arthroscopic knee surgery in early August, but Birk has practiced fully since the week prior to the start of the regular season. Left guard Ben Grubbs (toe) missed his second straight practice of the week, further clouding

Evans, Grubbs headline crowded injury report for Ravens

Luke Jones

(Updated: 8:50 p.m.) Turning the page from Week 2 and returning to the practice field to begin preparations for the St. Louis Rams, the Ravens were missing a number of players during practice on Wednesday afternoon. Left guard Ben Grubbs is still dealing with a right toe injury that caused him to miss the first game of his five-year career on Sunday and did not practice on Wednesday. Swing lineman Mark LeVoir started in his place instead of veteran Andre Gurode against the Titans. Wide receiver Lee Evans was sidelined for the second straight Wednesday practice as he continues to struggle with a left ankle injury that’s had him in and out of a walking boot following the third preseason game in August. Coach John Harbaugh said again on Wednesday that the Ravens must weigh how productive Evans can be on the field with trying to rest him in the short term. “You just have to work through it throughout the week and then on game day, if you’re well enough, you can play.” With Evans not running at 100 percent, opponents are unlikely to respect his normal deep-threat capability, thus shrinking the coverage closer to the line of scrimmage

Flacco looking to jump-start Ravens offense after disappointing Week 2

Luke Jones

OWINGS MILLS, Md. — Perhaps no other player epitomized the differences in performance between the Ravens’ dominating win over Pittsburgh to start the season and Sunday’s surprising 26-13 defeat to Tennessee than quarterback Joe Flacco. A week after throwing three touchdown passes and posting a 117.6 quarterback rating in what some were calling the best performance of his four-year career, Flacco completed only 15 of 32 passes and tossed two interceptions as the Baltimore offense sputtered, stalled, and self-destructed in a losing effort to the Titans. As a result, the many naysayers singing his praises after beating the Steelers were once again questioning his mettle after mustering just 13 points and lacking any real identity in a losing effort. When he wasn’t under duress from shaky pass protection, Flacco struggled to find open receivers while going through his progressions and forced several throws as the game progressed. “We need to go out there and play better, and that’s why you have 16 weeks of football in the NFL,” Flacco said. “You don’t have two weeks. The Super Bowl champion is not decided in Week 2. It’s not decided after Week 1, just like everybody wanted to react to that. We

Live from Owings Mills: Seven Ravens not practicing as attention turns to Rams

Luke Jones

OWINGS MILLS, Md. — Putting behind the disappointment of a 26-13 loss to Tennessee on Sunday, the Ravens returned to the practice field with a number of players unavailable to them during the open portion of practice. Wide receiver Lee Evans (ankle), guard Ben Grubbs (toe), defensive tackle Terrence Cody (concussion), and Cory Redding (undisclosed) were not present for the portion of practice open to the media. Veteran center Matt Birk attended practice but was not working, indicating a likely day off for the 35-year-old continuing to work his surgically-repaired knee back to full strength. In a piece of positive news, cornerback Chris Carr (hamstring) returned to the practice field after missing Sunday’s game against the Titans and an entire week of practice. Cornerback Jimmy Smith (high ankle sprain) and wide receiver/returner David Reed were not present since neither is likely to return to action prior to the Ravens’ bye week following a meeting with the New York Jets on Oct. 2. The Ravens have also re-signed rookie safety Mana Silva to the practice squad to take the spot formerly held by defensive back Danny Gorrer, who was promoted to the 53-man roster on Saturday to add to the team’s

Happy 5th Anniversary to my Free The Birds friends who want change for Baltimore baseball

Nestor Aparicio

I’ve been watching the Baltimore Orioles since 1973 and I’m not sure any of us could’ve predicted what this franchise was to become back in the late 1980’s when Camden Yards was built, our city was starved without football and the Colts had split town. It’s amazing now because most of the people in my company and many of you reading this under the age of 35 do not remember the Colts at all. Or a time when there was no purple. Or when there was no shiny stadia downtown that we all take for granted. I watched William Donald Schaefer fight for all of this. I watched John Steadman politic and report through all of this as a colleague and a kid at The News American. I watched the first shovel go in the ground downtown. I was at that magical game in 1988 when all of this civic planning was announced on the backend of an 0-21 start that invigorated the renaissance of not only the Orioles but this community as a whole. I wrote more than 75,000 words on this topic five years ago. You can read all of it here… I was there for all of

Morning Reaction Tuesday Top 7 Ravens for Week 2

Luke Jones

Below are our Top 7 Ravens players in the deflating 26-13 loss to the Tennessee Titans in Nashville 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 And, yes, we know there really weren’t seven players worthy of the honor, but we did our best in completing the process. Luke Jones’ Top 7… 7) Ray Lewis 6) Terrell Suggs 5) Billy Cundiff 4) Haloti Ngata 3) Terrence Cody 2) David Reed 1) Ray Rice Drew Forrester’s Top 7… 7) Sam Koch 6) Marshal Yanda 5) Terrell Suggs 4) Lardarius Webb 3) Haloti Ngata 2) Ed Dickson 1) Ray Rice SEASON TO DATE: Luke: 1. Haloti Ngata (10 points) 1. Ray Rice (10 points) 3. Terrell Suggs (9 points) 4. David Reed (6 points) 5. Bryant McKinnie (5 points) 5.Terrence Cody (5 points) 7. Joe Flacco (4 points) 8. Billy Cundiff (3 points) 9. Ed Reed (2 points) 10. Matt Birk (1 point) 10. Ray Lewis (1 point) Drew: 1.

Ravens lock up All-Pro DT Ngata with $61 million deal

Luke Jones

The Ravens and Haloti Ngata shared the desire for the dominating defensive tackle to remain “a Raven for life” despite contract negotiations dragging at a snail’s pace following the end of the lockout in late July. The sides have taken a gigantic step in making that wish a reality after Ngata agreed to a new five-year contract roughly an hour before Tuesday’s 4 p.m. deadline for negotiating multi-year contracts with franchise players. The agreement was announced by his agent Mike McCartney. The five-year deal is reportedly worth $61 million, with $40 million guaranteed over the first two years of the contract that runs through 2015, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter. “It just feels awesome,” Ngata said to the Ravens’ official website. “I won’t have to worry about my family, my kids, with money problems. Hopefully, I can continue to do well for the Ravens now, and it’s a good deal for them.” Along with linebacker Terrell Suggs, Ngata has emerged as a dominating force on a Baltimore defense with future Hall of Famers Ray Lewis and Ed Reed in the latter stages of their respective careers. Last season was a career year for the 330-pounder after he posted 5 1/2

Five years ago we did Free The Birds rally and I’m still proud of it

Nestor Aparicio

There’s been plenty written about the Orioles demise and the AL East standings and the empty stands at Camden Yards speak for themselves as to what the Baltimore community feels the value of the baseball team is circa 2011. The stadium is empty most nights. Fans stuck with tickets can’t find anyone to take them for free. The city has tumbleweed blowing down Pratt Street most nights when the Orioles play. The fan base is so angry, so disenfranchised, so beaten down and/or disillusioned that they’re literally all but gone. It’s the Fall of 2011 — the most recent version of The Apocalypse for any lifelong Orioles baseball fan and baseball lover like me. With the tragic suicide of Mike Flanagan last month – and the subsequent tales of the trail of a broken baseball man who loved this city and the Baltimore Orioles more than words can express – the Orioles have clearly hit rock bottom. Or have they? Oh, I’ve now been hearing for well over a decade that “the Orioles have bottomed out.” Heck, Ken Rosenthal was writing that stuff 12 years ago when he was covering the Orioles for The Sun. I’m not sure any of

Injury bug continuing to bite Ravens in first two weeks

Luke Jones

OWINGS MILLS, Md. — As if a shocking 26-13 loss to the Tennessee Titans wasn’t painful enough, the Ravens continue to be slammed by the injury bug over the first two weeks of the regular season. A week after serving a one-game suspension for the season opener, return specialist and wide receiver David Reed suffered a shoulder injury and will be out until after the Ravens’ bye week. The second-year player returned a kickoff 77 yards in the second quarter before injuring the AC joint in his left shoulder. Reed had an MRI on Monday and could be sidelined for three to six weeks. “Probably three weeks, I would say,” coach John Harbaugh said. “I don’t know. I’m not a doctor, but I play one in press conferences, right? That’s what [the timetable] normally is.” Though Reed failed to record a catch in Sunday’s loss to the Titans, his presence in the passing game will be missed with the continuing struggles of veteran Lee Evans, who continues to deal with a left ankle injury that began affecting him after the third preseason game in August. Evans lacked explosion in running routes for the second consecutive week and was seen icing

Polar opposites: After good vibes of Pittsburgh win, Ravens trounced in Tennessee

Luke Jones

All week, John Harbaugh and the Ravens confidently dismissed the notion of an emotional letdown as they prepared to travel to Nashville to take on the rebuilding Tennessee Titans. They had an air of confidence — and even borderline amusement — when posed the question of falling flat after their dominating 35-7 win over the Steelers in the opener. Fans and media bought into it to as well, with  many labeled the Ravens everything but a sure thing for the Super Bowl in Indianapolis. However, as the old saying goes, you’re never as good as you are in your best game and never as bad as you look in your worst one. Call it a letdown or blame the Sports Illustrated cover jinx if you must; it doesn’t matter. The Ravens were whipped up and down the field in a 26-13 loss at LP Field on Sunday afternoon. Everything that went right against their hated nemesis last week went in the opposite direction against Mike Munchak and the Titans. The Ravens failed to pressure Matt Hasselbeck, couldn’t stop Kenny Britt and Nate Washington, and never got anything going offensively as they fell to 1-1 and missed the opportunity to start

Ravens-Titans inactives for Sunday

Luke Jones

***For inactives and breaking news sent directly to your mobile device, subscribe to the WNST Text Service right here. And, as always, for the quickest updates and analysis regarding everything purple, follow WNST on Twitter.*** The Ravens will be without a key member of their offensive line on Sunday as Ben Grubbs will miss the first game of his five-year career with a toe injury. The former Auburn product was expected to be replaced by newcomer Andre Gurode at the left guard spot, but swing linemen Mark LeVoir took more reps at guard with the starting line during pregame warmups. Baltimore will also be thin in the secondary as cornerbacks Jimmy Smith (high ankle sprain) and Chris Carr (hamstring) had already been ruled out. Rookie Chykie Brown has been deactivated in lieu of the newly-promoted Danny Gorrer, who was on the practice squad before the Ravens waived linebacker Jason Phillips on Saturday. Wide receiver Tandon Doss, linebacker Sergio Kindle, and defensive tackle Brandon McKinney are also inactive for the second straight week. Baltimore G Ben Grubbs CB Chris Carr CB Jimmy Smith CB Chykie Brown LB Sergio Kindle WR Tandon Doss DT Brandon McKinney Tennessee QB Rusty Smith WR Damian

Looking to boost CB depth, Ravens sign Gorrer from practice squad

Luke Jones

With Jimmy Smith sidelined for a few weeks and Chris Carr’s short-term status also unknown, the Ravens have signed defensive back Danny Gorrer from the practice squad to boost their depleted depth at cornerback. To make room on the 53-man roster, the Ravens have waived linebacker Jason Phillips. The third-year Texas Christian product was inactive for the season opener against Pittsburgh after dealing with a concussion in the days leading up to the game. Gorrer is a former Texas A&M product who was an undrafted rookie free agent in 2009. He played in three games with the St. Louis Rams in 2009. The Ravens signed him to their practice squad last season, and he was on the team’s training camp roster before being waived and signed to the practice squad at the beginning of September. With Smith and Carr ruled out for Sunday’s game against the Titans, the Ravens only had four healthy cornerbacks on the roster, one of them being rookie Chykie Brown. In comments made by defensive coordinator Chuck Pagano and head coach John Harbaugh earlier in the week, it was apparent the Ravens don’t have a great deal of confidence in Brown to contribute defensively at this

Ravens-Titans: Five predictions for Sunday

Luke Jones

The Ravens will take on the Tennessee Titans franchise for the 17th time in the regular season. The teams are deadlocked at 8-8, though Baltimore holds the 2-1 edge in postseason meetings. Baltimore is 4-4 when playing on the road in the regular season against Tennessee. Of course, the two are old rivals from the now defunct AFC Central. Since NFL realignment took place in 2002, the Ravens are 3-3 against Tennessee in regular-season games. Without further ado, here are five predictions for what to expect in Week 2 … 1. A pick-six gives the Ravens their first defensive touchdown of the year. Perhaps the only stat more surprising than Pittsburgh’s seven turnovers in the Ravens’ 35-7 win last week was that none of those takeaways resulted in defensive touchdowns with the Baltimore defense’s reputation for turning turnovers into instant points. Tennessee quarterback Matt Hasselbeck tossed 34 interceptions over his last two seasons with Seattle and likes to take chances from time to time. With the Titans likely falling behind as the game progresses, Hasselbeck will be forced to take more chances in the passing game. Cornerback Cary Williams was a seventh-round draft pick by the Titans in 2009 and

Ravens rule out Carr, J. Smith; Grubbs doubtful for Sunday

Luke Jones

OWINGS MILLS, Md. — Despite optimism regarding the treatment and rehabilitation he received for his injured toe on Friday, it appears Ben Grubbs will be unavailable to the Ravens on Sunday. The starting left guard missed his third straight practice on Friday and is listed as doubtful for the Ravens’ Week 2 matchup with the Tennessee Titans. Earlier in the day, coach John Harbaugh labeled Grubbs as a game-time decision, but it’s likely the fifth-year lineman will miss the first game of his NFL career. “Even though it’s a small part of your body, it’s a huge part in running around, pushing off, and blocking, especially for my position,” Grubbs said prior to the release of Friday’s injury report. “It’s my first time experiencing this, so I don’t really know what to expect. You just hope that, God willing, I’ll be able to play.” Veteran backup center Andre Gurode will likely start in Grubbs’ place at left guard. The 10th-year veteran started 28 games at guard in 2003 and 2004 before being switched to center where he earned five Pro Bowl selections for the Cowboys. The Ravens will also be undermanned in the secondary as both Jimmy Smith and Chris

Live from Owings Mills: Ravens without key lineman for third straight practice

Luke Jones

OWINGS MILLS, Md. — After receiving much praise for its performance in a convincing season-opening win over Pittsburgh, the Ravens offensive line may be without one of its key members in Tennessee on Sunday. Starting left guard Ben Grubbs was absent for the third straight day during the portion of practice open to the media, further diminishing his chances of playing as he continues to deal with a right toe injury. The former Auburn product has not missed a game in his career as he begins his fifth season. Should Grubbs not be able to play, former Cowboys center Andre Gurode would likely get the start at left guard and is listed as Grubbs’ backup on the depth chart. Prior to switching to center in Dallas where he became a five-time Pro Bowl selection, Gurode started 28 games at guard in 2003 and 2004 with the Cowboys. Cornerbacks Chris Carr (hamstring) and Jimmy Smith (high ankle sprain) were also missing from the open portion of practice. Smith will not play, and doubts continue about Carr’s status after he aggravated the left hamstring injury he’s dealt with for over a month. Assuming both cornerbacks are sidelined for Sunday, veteran Domonique Foxworth

Ravens' Evans a full participant on Thursday's injury report

Luke Jones

After not participating and watching practice with his left foot in a walking boot on Wednesday, wide receiver Lee Evans returned to work as a full participant on Thursday to ease concerns regarding his status for Sunday’s game against the Tennessee Titans. There were no other changes from Wednesday’s report as cornerbacks Jimmy Smith (ankle) and Chris Carr (hamstring) and guard Ben Grubbs (toe) sat out for a second straight day. BALTIMORE OUT – NONE DID NOT PARTICIPATE – CB Chris Carr (hamstring), G Ben Grubbs (toe), Jimmy Smith (ankle) LIMITED – NONE FULL PARTICIPANT – WR Lee Evans (ankle) TENNESSEE OUT – NONE DID NOT PARTICIPATE – S Chris Hope (shoulder), WR Damian Williams (hamstring), DE Williams Hayes (shoulder) LIMITED – WR Nate Washington (non-injury related) FULL PARTICIPATION – DE Jason Jones (knee), DE Derrick Morgan (knee), RB Javon Ringer (back)

Titans' Johnson one of many "casualties" of Ravens defense over years

Luke Jones

OWINGS MILLS, Md. — The Ravens have been fortunate not to face Tennessee Titans running back Chris Johnson over the last two seasons in which he’s rushed for a combined 3,234 yards — 2,006 of those coming in 2009. The last time the two teams faced was the 2008 playoffs when Johnson ran all over the Ravens in a 72-yard first-half performance in an eventual 13-10 defensive struggle that sent Baltimore to the AFC championship game. If not for an ankle injury that sidelined the rookie running back late in the first half, the Titans may have been the ones taking on the Pittsburgh Steelers the following week. Rex Ryan’s defense had no answers for the lightning-fast tailback, who also compiled 28 yards receiving out of the backfield, prior to being sidelined. “I’m happy he left the game, because he was on the verge of breaking over 200 yards on us, I think,” defensive tackle Haloti Ngata said. “He did really well in that first half, and I think it was a good thing he went down.” The memory of that disappointing loss for the Titans — the No. 1 seed following the 2008 season — has resurfaced this week

Live from Owings Mills: Evans returns to practice; Grubbs, Carr still missing

Luke Jones

OWINGS MILLS, Md. — As concern grew over Lee Evan’s injured left ankle on Wednesday, the wide receiver announced his intention to play against the Titans prior to returning to practice on Thursday. After wearing a walking boot and not participating a day earlier, Evans arrived on the field dressed to practice and took part in drills with the other wide receivers during the portion of practice open to the media. Though unlikely to be 100 percent for the Week 2 matchup on Sunday, Evans will continue to work through the left ankle injury that’s hampered him since the third preseason game against the Washington Redskins. Left guard Ben Grubbs was missing from practice for the second straight day and was seen wearing a walking boot on his right foot. He was listed with a toe injury on Wednesday’s official injury report after dealing with a thigh issue before the season opener against Pittsburgh. Should Grubbs not be able to play on Sunday, the Ravens would likely turn to backup center Andre Gurode — who also played guard during his time with the Dallas Cowboys — or veteran lineman Mark LeVoir to take his place on the starting offensive line.

Caps game in Baltimore gives local red a chance to party with WNST

Nestor Aparicio

The big Baltimore NHL game and celebration is just a few days away and WNST will be throwing a pre-game “Rock The Red” soiree at Pickles Pub across from Camden Yards and just four blocks from First Mariner Arena. Party starts at 4 pm and there’s no admission and plenty of goodies: 2 for 1 drafts $3 rail drinks $2.50 domestic bottles $6 16-inch pizzas $5 dozen wings $2 Natty Boh cans Come and Rock YOUR Red with us before the Washington Capitals takes on the Nashville Predators in Baltimore!

Evans' left ankle lands him on Ravens injury report

Luke Jones

OWINGS MILLS, Md. — With cornerbacks Jimmy Smith and Chris Carr battling injuries to weaken a deep secondary, the Ravens had two new additions to Wednesday’s injury report that might raise a few eyebrows in anticipation of Sunday’s trip to Tennessee. Receiver Lee Evans was back in a walking boot on Wednesday as he continues to deal with a left ankle injury that’s hindered him since the third preseason game against the Washington Redskins on Aug. 25. The 30-year-old was present at practice but wearing a protective boot on his left foot as he watched the other Baltimore receivers take part in drills. Left guard Ben Grubbs appeared on the injury report for the second straight week, now dealing with a toe injury after appearing on last Friday’s listing with a thigh issue. However, Grubbs made it through the entire game last Sunday without any apparent limitations. BALTIMORE OUT – NONE DID NOT PARTICIPATE – CB Chris Carr (hamstring), G Ben Grubbs (toe), WR Lee Evans (ankle), Jimmy Smith (ankle) LIMITED – NONE TENNESSEE OUT – NONE DID NOT PARTICIPATE – S Chris Hope (shoulder), WR Damian Williams (hamstring) LIMITED – DE Williams Hayes (shoulder) FULL PARTICIPATION – DE Jason

Turning from known to unknown as Ravens prepare for transitioning Titans

Luke Jones

OWINGS MILLS, Md. — After weeks of preparing for a hated adversary they know almost as well as they know themselves, the Ravens turn their attention to the new-look Tennessee Titans for a Week 2 matchup in Nashville on Sunday. With a new head coach and a new starting quarterback, the Titans find themselves climbing out of the shadows of a mostly-successful 16-year run under former coach Jeff Fisher and trying to right themselves after a disappointing 16-14 loss to the Jaguars in Week 1. New quarterback Matt Hasselbeck managed to throw for 263 yards, but the Titans surrendered 163 yards on the ground to Jacksonville. On paper, the Ravens are the clear favorites, but preparing for a team with a new coaching staff and only a small amount of tape to view weighs on the Ravens’ minds in trying to get off to a 2-0 start for the fifth time in franchise history. As challenging as it is to take on Pittsburgh, the preparation is largely about minor details when you know an opponent so well. The Ravens haven’t faced Tennessee since Baltimore’s playoff victory in Nashville on Jan. 10, 2009 — when the Titans had a noticeably different

Live from Owings Mills: Evans back in walking boot, not practicing

Luke Jones

OWINGS MILLS, Md. — Back on the practice field and shifting their attention toward the Tennessee Titans, the Ravens found veteran receiver Lee Evans back in a walking boot. The 30-year-old receiver was held without a catch in Sunday’s 35-7 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers and played an effective decoy to clear space underneath for fellow receiver Anquan Boldin as well as the Ravens’ tight ends and running backs. However, Evans lacked the same explosion seen in the third preseason game against the Washington Redskins and was not practicing on Wednesday afternoon. Left guard Ben Grubbs was also missing during the portion of practice open for media viewing and may still be dealing with the thigh injury that landed him on the injury report — listed as probable — against Pittsburgh on Friday. The fifth-year lineman played the entire game against the Steelers with no apparent limitations. The other two missing from practice were far less surprising as cornerbacks Jimmy Smith (ankle) and Chris Carr (hamstring) were not present on the field during practice. Smith is expected to miss a few weeks, according to coach John Harbaugh, while Carr continues to deal with a nagging hamstring injury that’s hindered him

Orioles release 2012 schedule

Luke Jones

PRESS RELEASE, courtesy of the Orioles public relations staff The Orioles will kick off their 20th anniversary season at Oriole Park at Camden Yards with an Opening Day game on April 6, 2012 against the Minnesota Twins, 20 years to the day after the ballpark originally opened. The game is the first of a six-day season-opening homestand that will also see the New York Yankees come to Baltimore. The Orioles will play each of their AL East rivals three times at Oriole Park. In addition to their opening homestand trip from April 9-11, the New York Yankees will make a two-game stop in Baltimore May 14-15 and play a four-game weekend series, September 6-9. The Red Sox will have three three-game series at Camden Yards – May 21-23, August 14-16 and September 28-30. The Tampa Bay Rays will make their first trip to Oriole Park the weekend of May 11-13, followed by two more three-game series July 24-26 and September 11-13. The Toronto Blue Jays will play in Baltimore April 24-26, August 24-26 and September 24-26. In Interleague Play in 2012 the Philadelphia Phillies will make a weekend trip to Camden Yards, June 8-10, followed by a mid-week visit by

Morning Reaction Tuesday Top 7 Ravens for Week 1

Luke Jones

Below are our Top 7 Ravens players in the dominating 35-7 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers at M&T Bank Stadium 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 Luke Jones’ Top 7… 7. Matt Birk 6. Ed Reed 5. Ray Rice 4. Joe Flacco 3. Bryant McKinnie 2. Haloti Ngata 1. Terrell Suggs Drew Forrester’s Top 7… 7. Ed Reed 6. Ray Rice 5. Lardarius Webb 4. Haloti Ngata 3. Terrell Suggs 2. Joe Flacco 1. Bryant McKinnie SEASON TO DATE: Luke: 1. Terrell Suggs (7 points) 2. Haloti Ngata (6 points) 3. Bryant McKinnie (5 points) 4. Joe Flacco (4 points) 5. Ray Rice (3 points) 6. Ed Reed (2 points) 7. Matt Birk (1 point) Drew: 1. Bryant McKinnie (7 points) 2. Joe Flacco (6 points) 3. Terrell Suggs (5 points) 4. Haloti Ngata (4 points) 5. Lardarius Webb (3 points) 6. Ray Rice (2 points) 7. Ed Reed (1 point)

Ravens suddenly hurting at cornerback with loss of Jimmy Smith

Luke Jones

OWINGS MILLS, Md. — The cornerback position was one of the Ravens’ deepest units entering the season, and they’ll have use that depth after losing two corners in Sunday’s win against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Rookie Jimmy Smith and veteran Chris Carr left the game in the first half and did not return. However, the high ankle sprain sustained by Smith on the kickoff following the Ravens’ first touchdown is considered the more serious of the two. Carr once again aggravated a left hamstring injury that’s lingered for four weeks. Smith remained on crutches and a walking boot on Monday after an MRI revealed a high ankle sprain. The 27th overall pick in April’s draft is expected to miss a “few weeks” in the words of coach John Harbaugh. “We’ll just have to see how it plays out,” Harbaugh said. “Hopefully, he’s a quick healer. That was a tough one. Hey, first kickoff, he runs down there, he’s fighting like crazy, and gets caught up in a pile.” With Smith leaving the game after the opening kickoff and Carr exiting in the second quarter, the Ravens mainly used the combination of starter Cary Williams and Lardarius Webb, with Domonique Foxworth —

Flacco, Ravens answer questions emphatically in beating of Pittsburgh

Luke Jones

BALTIMORE — Putting blind optimism aside, there were plenty of Ravens fans bracing themselves internally for Sunday’s regular-season opener to be the latest chapter in a long series of excruciating disappointments against the Pittsburgh Steelers — even if you won’t admit to being one of them. After all, the Ravens hadn’t beaten Pittsburgh in a game started by Ben Roethlisberger since 2006. No matter how much you think you’re “due” against a given opponent, you’ll always fight the lingering feeling of not knowing when — or if — you’ll ever snap out of it. That is until you do it, and the Ravens erased all doubts with a 35-7 pummeling of the Steelers in which they dominated all three facets of the game. The offensive line, composed of newcomer Bryant McKinnie and the recovering Matt Birk, dominated up front, allowing just one Pittsburgh sack and opening huge running lanes for Ray Rice and Ricky Williams, who led a 170-yard rushing attack. The defense forced seven turnovers and had four sacks of Roethlisberger, making him look more like a rattled rookie than the quarterback that’s taken the Steelers to three Super Bowls in his first seven seasons. And Joe Flacco —

Live from M&T Bank Stadium: Ravens try to knock off Roethlisberger for first time since 2006

Luke Jones

BALTIMORE — After months of anticipation and trash talk, the wait is finally over. The Ravens will take on the Pittsburgh Steelers in what figures to be the most significant — and intense — season opener in the 16-year history of the franchise. While today’s outcome certainly doesn’t seal either team’s fate with 15 more games to play before the postseason, it will certainly have a lasting impact on who controls the AFC North in the early stages of the season in what figures to be a two-team race with Cleveland and Cincinnati lagging behind. Baltimore has not beaten Pittsburgh in a game started by Ben Roethlisberger since the 2006 season when the Ravens swept the Steelers by a combined score of 58-7 in two games. This marks the fourth time these teams have met in the regular-season opener, with Pittsburgh holding the 2-1 edge. The Ravens are 7-8 against Pittsburgh in games played at home. The Ravens are 7-8 all time in season openers but have won three consecutive and four of the past five. They’ve also reached the postseason in six of the seven years they’ve won the opener. Pittsburgh leads the all-time regular season series, 18-12, and

Ravens-Steelers Purple Haze live chat at 1:00

Luke Jones

As the Ravens kick off their 2011 season against the Pittsburgh Steelers today at 1 p.m., be sure to join us in the Purple Haze live chat as Drew Forrester, Nestor Aparicio, and I bring you live coverage from M&T Bank Stadium. It’s the newest, most interactive way to watch the game in a virtual sports bar! For breaking news about today’s game including gameday inactives and in-game injuries, subscribe to the WNST Text Service and be sure to follow us on Twitter as we provide the quickest updates and analysis as the Ravens try to beat a Ben Roethlisberger-led Steelers team for the first time since 2006.

McKinnie catching up, trimming down in preparation for Steelers

Luke Jones

OWINGS MILLS, Md. — Plenty has been written and discussed about the Ravens’ new left tackle Bryant McKinnie. His addition looks great on paper, inserting the former Pro Bowler on the left side and sliding third-year tackle Michael Oher to the right where he thrived in 2009. McKinnie has yet to play a snap in live-game action for the Ravens, making Sunday’s debut against the Pittsburgh Steelers all the more nerve-wracking for everyone involved. Getting reps in practice is well and good — even against the bullish Baltimore defense — but trying to keep the likes of LaMarr Woodley and James Harrison away from quarterback Joe Flacco is an altogether different challenge. A little over a month ago, McKinnie was dismissed by the Minnesota Vikings after nine seasons as a result of his weight ballooning to a near 400 pounds and team doctors having concerns with his cholesterol level. Since signing with the Ravens on Aug. 23 and reporting at a weight of 370 pounds, the offensive tackle had shed 10 more pounds after two weeks of practicing. “I feel pretty good,” said McKinnie, who did not play in the preseason and hasn’t taken part in a game since last

Sunday's injury report for Ravens-Steelers

Luke Jones

Only two Baltimore players appear on the official injury report for Sunday’s game against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Linebacker Jason Phillips returned to practice on Friday after sustaining a concussion and not participating the previous day and was deemed fine, according to coach John Harbaugh after Friday’s practice. However, a new name appeared on the injury report as starting left guard Ben Grubbs did not participate and is dealing with a thigh injury. Listed as probable for Sunday’s game, the issue is not considered serious. BALTIMORE QUESTIONABLE – LB Jason Phillips (concussion) PROBABLE – G Ben Grubbs (thigh) PITTSBURGH OUT – LB Chris Carter (hamstring) DOUBTFUL – WR Jerricho Cotchery (hamstring) PROBABLE – T Marcus Gilbert (concussion)

Ravens offensive line coach Andy Moeller gets two-game suspension

Luke Jones

OWINGS MILLS, Md. — Ravens offensive line coach Andy Moeller has been suspended for the first two games of the season for violating the NFL’s personal conduct policy. The suspension stems from a DWI conviction handed down to Moeller in the spring. He received two years of supervised probation as a sentence. Assistant line coach Todd Washington will assume Moeller’s duties during the suspension, a move that suits head coach John Harbaugh just fine. “We knew this was coming, and we’d prepared for it,” Harbaugh said. Moeller has been arrested for alcohol-related incidents three times since Dec. 2007. He joins receiver David Reed on the so-called suspended list, as the second-year receiver must sit out the regular-season opener after violating the NFL’s substance-abuse policy.

Live from Owings Mills: Ravens make final preparations for Pittsburgh

Luke Jones

OWINGS MILLS, Md. — Conducting a final workout on Friday before welcoming the Pittsburgh Steelers to M&T Bank Stadium on Sunday, the Ravens practiced in shells and shorts in typical Friday fashion. With the Ravens working on the field farthest away from the media’s viewing area during the open portion of practice, it was difficult to account for every player on the 53-man roster, but receiver Lee Evans (foot), center Matt Birk (knee), cornerback Chris Carr (hamstring), and backup quarterback Tyrod Taylor were all practicing, as they have all week in preparation for the Steelers. Linebacker Jason Phillips appeared to be dressed to practice from a long-distance vantage point after being listed as a non-participant with a concussion on Thursday’s injury report. Cornerback Lardarius Webb was taking all repetitions returning punts during the special teams period of practice and is still listed as the No. 1 punt returner on the team’s official depth chart. Speculation has persisted that rookie LaQuan Williams will be involved in the return game, but it remains to be seen. The Ravens will wear their white jerseys in the regular-season opener, forcing Pittsburgh to wear their black jerseys despite a forecast calling for a 30 percent

As always, rushing Roethlisberger the priority for Ravens on Sunday

Luke Jones

OWINGS MILLS, Md. — There’s no real secret to beating Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger despite the Ravens not being able to do it since 2006. In parts of games, Baltimore has had success over the last three years — just not for the necessary 60 minutes. “Keep him in the pocket, get him on the ground, and play through the whistle,” linebacker Ray Lewis said. “Maybe even sometimes play after the whistle with him, because he’s that type of guy.” Easier said than done, as the Ravens painfully remember most recently in their 31-24 playoff loss last January when Roethlisberger completed a 58-yard pass to Antonio Brown on a third-and-19 play with less than two minutes to go. Former defensive coordinator Greg Mattison elected to rush three on the play as the Ravens failed to apply the necessary pressure on the Pittsburgh quarterback. It was a lesson new defensive coordinator Chuck Pagano hopefully learned while observing as the Baltimore secondary coach. The Ravens know better than anyone that the need to pressure Roethlisberger can’t be overstated. “It’s huge,” defensive coordinator Chuck Pagano said. “If you just look at history, you know. I just go back to 2008. We lost all

Phillips only Ravens player present on Thursday injury report

Luke Jones

OWINGS MILLS, Md. — Linebacker Jason Phillips was the only player missing from the Ravens’ open portion of practice and was the only Baltimore player present on Thursday’s injury report After Wednesday’s injury report included no Ravens players, the addition of Phillips is unlikely to raise too many eyebrows in concern for Sunday’s game against the Steelers. The outlook for Steelers receiver Jerricho Cotchery appears bleaker as well as he continues to battle a hamstring injury. BALTIMORE DID NOT PARTICIPATE – LB Jason Phillips (concussion) LIMITED – none PITTSBURGH DID NOT PARTICIPATE – LB Chris Carter (hamstring), WR Jerricho Cotchery LIMITED – none UPGRADED TO FULL PARTICIPATION – T Marcus Gilbert (concussion)

Live from Owings Mills: Ravens only missing Phillips on Thursday

Luke Jones

OWINGS MILLS, Md. — A day closer to their season-opening meeting with the Pittsburgh Steelers, the Ravens failed to have perfect attendance for a second straight day as linebacker Jason Phillips was missing from the open portion of practice. However, all players were dressed in helmets, shells, and shorts and working. Center Matt Birk (knee), wide receiver Lee Evans (foot), cornerback Chris Carr (hamstring), and quarterback Tyrod Taylor (left shoulder) were all practicing for the second straight day after none of them were listed on Wednesday’s official injury report. Linebacker Dannell Ellerbe wore a wrap on his left hand but did not appear to be limited during special teams drills. Lardarius Webb, Chris Carr, and Ed Reed all received work fielding punts during the special teams portion of practice, though speculation persists that rookie LaQuan Williams will factor in the punt return game on Sunday. Prior to the start of practice, several players visited with Baltimore Colts Hall of Famer Lenny Moore, including running back Ray Rice and free safety Ed Reed.

Morning Reaction 2011 NFL Predictions

Luke Jones

With the Green Bay Packers and New Orleans Saints kicking off the 2011 season on Thursday night, Drew Forrester and I looked into our crystal ball for our predictions on how the NFL division races will look and who will be hoisting the Vince Lombardi trophy in Indianapolis on Feb. 5, 2012. We’ve listed our records for the projected division-winning teams — without scientifically going through the schedule and picking each individual game — and an asterisk (*) denotes the teams earning wild card berths. DREW FORRESTER’S PREDICTIONS NFC East Philadelphia (11-5) New York Giants Dallas Washington NFC South New Orleans (12-4) *Atlanta *Tampa Bay Carolina NFC West St. Louis (11-5) Seattle Arizona San Francisco NFC North Green Bay (12-4) Minnesota Detroit Chicago AFC East New York Jets (12-4) *New England Miami Buffalo AFC South Houston (9-7) Tennessee Indianapolis Jacksonville AFC West San Diego (11-5) *Kansas City Denver Oakland AFC North Baltimore (11-5) Pittsburgh Cleveland Cincinnati LUKE JONES’ PREDICTIONS NFC East Philadelphia (11-5) Dallas New York Giants Washington NFC South New Orleans (13-3) *Atlanta Tampa Bay Carolina NFC West St. Louis (10-6) Arizona Seattle San Francisco NFC North Green Bay (12-4) *Detroit Chicago Minnesota AFC East New England (11-5) *New

Ravens balancing urgency with perspective in preparing for hated Steelers

Luke Jones

OWINGS MILLS, Md. — Listening to fans around Baltimore talk over the last month, you would think the 2011 season not only begins but could possibly end when the Ravens welcome the Pittsburgh Steelers to town this weekend. This Sunday marks the first meaningful game the Ravens have played since a second-half collapse that cost them their season in a 31-24 defeat in a divisional playoff game at Heinz Field last January. The frustration is still fresh for anyone emotionally invested, with the 134-day lockout causing that feeling to brood as both sides took to exchanging barbs via social media and a handful of interviews over the spring and summer. With Pittsburgh enjoying the benefit of hosting playoff games against Baltimore in two of the last three seasons, the Ravens cannot overlook the significance in holding serve at home against their biggest adversary — even if it is only Week 1. The Ravens finished tied with the Steelers at 12-4 in 2010, but succumbed to the division record tiebreaker after losing to Pittsburgh in a critical Sunday night home game in early December. “They spoiled our Super Bowl dreams for the last two out of three years,” said linebacker Terrell

Live from Owings Mills: Ravens gearing up for Steelers with full squad practicing

Luke Jones

OWINGS MILLS, Md. — As the Ravens move closer to taking on their hated rivals from Pittsburgh to begin the season on Sunday afternoon, they appear to be getting healthier just in time for the occasion. All 53 players on the active roster were present and working during the open portion of Wednesday’s practice, including center Matt Birk (knee), wide receiver Lee Evans (foot), and cornerback Chris Carr (hamstring). All three were dressed in full pads and did not appear to be limited in the early stages of the workout. With primary kick returner David Reed suspended in the regular-season opener for violating the NFL’s substance-abuse policy, cornerback Lardarius Webb appeared to be the primary returner during the special teams portion of practice. Rookie receiver Torrey Smith also fielded kicks. For anyone trying to find some clarity in what the Ravens plan to do at the center position, Birk was snapping to starter Joe Flacco while newcomer Andre Gurode snapped to rookie backup Tyrod Taylor during individual drills. Visit the BuyAToyota.com Audio Vault to hear from John Harbaugh, Joe Flacco, Ray Lewis, Ed Reed, Ray Rice, Terrell Suggs, Andre Gurode, Lee Evans, Jarret Johnson, and Bernard Pollard prior to Wednesday’s

Orioles release 2012 schedule

Luke Jones

PRESS RELEASE, courtesy of the Orioles public relations staff The Orioles will kick off their 20th anniversary season at Oriole

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