OWINGS MILLS, Md. — Taking the field for their first full-squad workout of training camp, the Ravens were without two of their biggest players as left tackle Bryant McKinnie and defensive tackle Haloti Ngata weren’t present for practice.
While coach John Harbaugh revealed after practice that Ngata tweaked his hamstring during his conditioning test — and has since been placed on the active physically unable to perform list — there is much greater concern over McKinnie’s status after the veteran offensive lineman informed the team he was dealing with “an issue” — in Harbaugh’s words — and would not be reporting to camp on time. Fourth-year right tackle Michael Oher worked on the left side Thursday and will hold the position until further notice, according to Harbaugh.
“He contacted us through a representative,” Harbaugh said. “He’s dealing with an issue right now. I don’t really want to speak for him on that. I’ll just let him speak for himself on that when the time comes.”
The Ravens wanted McKinnie to be at 345 pounds by the start of training camp after he was held out for conditioning reasons during their mandatory minicamp in June. He weighed 354 pounds at the end of minicamp.
McKinnie was awarded a $500,000 roster bonus in March and is slated to make a $3.2 million base salary in the final season of a two-year contract signed last August. He has also dealt with lawsuits stemming from a loan he took out during last year’s lockout.
With Oher working on the left side, undrafted rookie free agent Jack Cornell lined up at right tackle with the starting offensive line.
There were no other changes to the physically unable to perform list as offensive linemen Jah Reid (calf) and Kelechi Osemele (back), defensive end Pernell McPhee (knee surgery), and wide receiver David Reed (knee surgery) weren’t taking part in practice. And, of course, linebacker Terrell Suggs (Achilles tendon surgery) wasn’t practicing on Thursday afternoon.
Offensive tackle Ramon Harewood rolled his ankle during Thursday’s practice, further damaging the Ravens’ shaky depth at tackle as they begin training camp.
“K.O. is still working with the back [spasms],” Harbaugh said. “There’s a good chance he’ll be out here [Friday]. Jah’s got the calf. That may take a couple more days.”
Wide receiver Torrey Smith dealt with minor cramping issues in the latter portion of practice.
Ngata sidelined for first full-squad workout, McKinnie absent from camp
Luke Jones
Luke Jones is the Ravens and Orioles beat reporter for WNST BaltimorePositive.com and is a PFWA member. His mind is consumed with useless sports knowledge, pro wrestling promos, and movie quotes, but he often forgets where he put his phone. Luke's favorite sports memories include being one of the thousands of kids who waited for Cal Ripken's autograph after Orioles games in the summer of 1995, attending the Super Bowl XXXV victory parade with his dad in the pouring rain, and watching the Terps advance to the Final Four at the Carrier Dome in 2002. Follow him on social media @BaltimoreLuke or email him at Luke@wnst.net.
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