Returning from season-ending back surgery last fall, Osemele worked as the starting left guard and moved very well during Thursday’s practice open to the media. His versatility has also allowed general manager Ozzie Newsome to look at veteran options at both the guard and tackle positions.
The signing of veteran guard Will Rackley earlier this month provided another possible alignment in which Osemele could move back to right tackle, the position he primarily played during his rookie season in 2012. Second-year lineman Rick Wagner took most of the reps with the starting offense at right tackle on Thursday and is expected to receive the early opportunities at the position.
“K.O. jumped out at me,” said Harbaugh, adding that Osmele is now 100-percent healthy. “K.O. was really practicing fast, sprinting back to the huddle or back to the line when he was done after every single play, almost making a point to condition himself during practice. He’s in really exceptional condition.”
Most attention has been focused on the development of Wagner after the Ravens did not add a tackle in this year’s draft, but the Ravens will also take a long look at Ryan Jensen on the outside.
The 2013 sixth-round pick dealt with a broken foot for much of his rookie season but practiced at center and guard when he was healthy.
“We moved him, but he’s getting reps at both right tackle and left tackle,” Harbaugh said. “We’re going to put him in the mix out there and see how he does. He played tackle in college, so he’s comfortable out there, mentally, it seems like. We’ll see if he’s a fit out there also. It’ll just give us more competition.”
Injury report
Linebacker Terrell Suggs, defensive tackle Haloti Ngata, and defensive end Chris Canty were the only veterans who weren’t present for Thursday’s voluntary workout, but there were three other players sidelined due to injury reasons.
According to Harbaugh, defensive tackle Terrence Cody recently underwent hip surgery and will be out until training camp, marking the second straight year in which the lineman has undergone a hip procedure. Re-signed to a one-year deal earlier this offseason, Cody is no longer assured a spot after disappointing as a 2010 second-round pick and will need to have a strong preseason to make the 53-man roster.
Rookie wide receiver Michael Campanaro (hamstring strain) and veteran offensive lineman Jah Reid (calf strain) were also non-participants on Thursday.
Running back Bernard Pierce (shoulder surgery), rookie defensive end Brent Urban (ankle surgery), and wide receiver Aaron Mellette (knee) were all practicing on a limited basis. Harbaugh deemed Osemele, linebacker Adrian Hamilton (wrist), defensive Kapron Lewis-Moore (knee), and rookie offensive tackle James Hurst (leg) as full participants who have recovered from their previous ailments.
Roster move
The Ravens waived injured rookie linebacker Ryan Jones (Montana Tech) and signed rookie running back Fitz Toussaint (Michigan) to the 90-man offseason roster.
