Howard still not practicing four days after being signed by Ravens

Four days after signing a three-year contract reportedly worth up to $16 million, veteran offensive tackle Austin Howard still hasn’t practiced with the Ravens.
Deferring to the training staff when asked about the lineman missing practice for a second straight day, head coach John Harbaugh isn’t saying why Howard has yet to take the field. The former Oakland Raider hasn’t been made available to the media, either, leading one to wonder whether he still isn’t 100 percent after major shoulder surgery in January or merely failed his conditioning test.
The contract was made official Friday, meaning the Ravens had to sign off on any concerns that might have existed about his physical condition. Howard was signed to likely become the starting right tackle after three-year starter Rick Wagner departed via free agency.
“I don’t have any expectations for that kind of stuff,” said Harbaugh when asked if Howard’s early absence was anticipated due to his surgically-repaired shoulder. “They try to do what’s best for the players and the guys in getting them ready to play, stuff like that. That’s in their ballpark.”
Injuries limited Howard to 24 games over the last two seasons before Oakland elected to release him in late July.
Harbaugh had no update on a return timetable for quarterback Joe Flacco, who missed his 11th consecutive practice to begin training camp with a back injury. Backup Ryan Mallett will start Thursday’s preseason opener against Washington.
Rookie cornerback Marlon Humphrey missed his fifth consecutive practice with an undisclosed injury. After saying he thought the first-round pick would be back at practice Monday, Harbaugh had no interest in discussing what was bothering the 21-year-old defensive back.
“It’s really not that important for you to know, is it?” the 10th-year coach told a reporter.
Others remaining sidelined from Tuesday’s practice included wide receivers Breshad Perriman (hamstring) and Kenny Bell (hamstring), guard Alex Lewis (undisclosed), and cornerbacks Sheldon Price (undisclosed) and Maurice Canady (knee). Cornerback Brandon Boykin returned to the field after missing Monday’s workout.
After being let go with an injury designation on Monday, cornerback Al-Hajj Shabazz cleared waivers and reverted to injured reserve.