With the Ravens conducting their final open practices of the summer in Owings Mills this week, I’ve offered a dozen thoughts, each in 50 words or less:
1. You know training camp is winding down when starting units aren’t facing off as frequently and play cards come out, which means backups are offering scout-team looks representing Kansas City. Starters will get valuable practice work against Green Bay on Thursday, and then the full countdown to Week 1 begins.
2. John Harbaugh was introspective discussing where the offensive line is. There’s been good and bad, but I’m not sure anyone knows exactly what to expect early on. Tyler Linderbaum missing three weeks of practice and offensive line coach Joe D’Alessandris taking a leave of absence due to illness haven’t helped.
3. Harbaugh says Linderbaum (neck) remains “right on schedule” for Week 1 after last practicing on Aug. 1. Meanwhile, Mark Andrews hasn’t practiced since his Aug. 14 car accident and is dealing with “a very minor thing.” Taking those comments at face value, these are veterans you trust to be ready.
4. One of the week’s notable developments has been seventh-round rookie Nick Samac stepping in as the first-team center after making “a big move this last week,” according to Harbaugh. For someone who was working with the third string as recently as last week, Samac’s roster chances are looking much better.
5. Speaking with media for the first time since last fall, David Ojabo was impressive reflecting on the difficult start to his career and conveying his motivation to reward the Ravens for their belief in him. I’m rooting for him to stay healthy and show what he’s capable of doing.
David Ojabo not taking good health for granted after trying first two years with Ravens: https://t.co/zxTnNiBDno
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6. Speaking of young edge rushers, Adisa Isaac is sidelined with a “soft-tissue issue” with his other leg after rehabbing a hamstring injury most of the offseason. Harbaugh said this one isn’t as severe, but you wonder how much Isaac will factor as a rookie after so much lost practice time.
7. Though I’ve seen little reason for breathless training camp updates regarding a two-time MVP quarterback, I would say Lamar Jackson’s long-ball accuracy and chemistry with Rashod Bateman remain fair questions entering the 2024 season. However, the two connected on a gorgeous deep ball for a touchdown in Monday’s padded practice.
8. Malik Harrison could be one of the more interesting role players to watch in early-season defensive packages. He’s played early-down “Sam” linebacker for a couple years now, but he’s also practiced well at inside linebacker this summer, making him a useful depth piece at multiple spots.
9. Dayton Wade is one of the more compelling undrafted rookies and “bubble” players entering the preseason finale, but he hasn’t factored all that prominently on special teams. I’d feel better about his chances if there were more enthusiasm for him as a return specialist, especially factoring Deonte Harty’s uneven summer.
10. Considering his late arrival, Anthony Miller has done all he can to put himself in the roster conversation but we’re talking about someone who hasn’t appeared in an NFL game since 2021. The practice squad seems more likely for him or Russell Gage unless Devontez Walker lands on injured reserve.
11. An early-camp shoulder injury made Trayvon Mullen a forgotten man in a deep cornerback group, but he played well against Atlanta and is probably higher in the pecking order than some may realize. Still, his best chance of making the roster came last year before a season-ending toe injury.
12. You’re always looking for interesting drills to break up the monotony of training camp practice, and the Ravens practiced blocking field goals using a volleyball and a mat for a soft landing on Tuesday. Given his speed, Nate Wiggins would be an intriguing option coming off the edge.
