With the Ravens practicing in full pads for their 11th full-squad workout of training camp on Tuesday, I’ve offered a dozen thoughts, each in 50 words or less:
1. The organization will keep fingers crossed that Rashod Bateman doesn’t miss too much time, but the good news is Marquise Brown nearing a return and Sammy Watkins continuing to stack practice days. Keeping the oft-injured Watkins healthy becomes even more critical now with Bateman’s short-term status unclear.
2. Lamar Jackson delivered a beautiful touchdown bomb to Watkins, who got behind zone coverage down the middle of the field to take advantage of a rare secondary miscue. Jackson also lofted a deep sideline throw into the arms of Mark Andrews before safety help could arrive.
3. There weren’t many other offensive highlights as quarterbacks weren’t particularly accurate and skill players not named Andrews really struggled to get open. Even without a pass rush during seven-on-seven periods, the quarterbacks were holding the ball way too long as receivers couldn’t separate.
4. Marlon Humphrey was the best player on the field and broke up a pass on four straight plays at one point, prompting Wink Martindale to call him over to the sideline for a fist bump. No one practices more consistently hard than the two-time Pro Bowl cornerback.
5. That sequence prompted secondary architect Chris Hewitt and DeShon Elliott to question the wisdom of quarterbacks continuing to throw Humphrey’s way. Elliott even said, “You’re an idiot to try ‘Marlo’ four times. What is wrong with you?” Elliott definitely has some of that old-school Ravens swagger.
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6. Speaking of nostalgia, Elliott said Humphrey’s playing style would have fit perfectly with Ray Lewis and other past Ravens defensive players. Given the physicality that complements Humphrey’s superb coverage ability, I have to agree with the safety’s assessment. Hewitt called him a Defensive Player of the Year candidate. Why not?
7. Given how limited and brief his individual work was in his 2021 practice debut, Ronnie Stanley not taking part in Tuesday’s workout is something to monitor. The Ravens will obviously bring him along slowly with the opener more than a month away, but you hope his surgically-repaired ankle responded favorably.
8. Bateman’s groin injury came seconds after Khalil Dorsey suffered an upper-body injury that forced him out of practice. The second-year cornerback is battling for a roster spot as a backup slot corner, so you hope he doesn’t miss too much time. Needless to say, it was a brutal one-on-one period.
9. Gus Edwards said he dealt with COVID-19 symptoms for roughly three days before feeling well enough to do some training during his 10-day isolation period. The bruising fourth-year back appears to be in excellent shape and hasn’t skipped a beat since returning to practice last Friday.
10. Running backs coach Craig Ver Steeg said Justice Hill progressing as a downhill runner is key, but the 2019 fourth-round pick is also adept at pass protection, which could be a way on the field in certain situations. He’ll need a strong preseason to carve out a meaningful offensive role.
11. It’s a contract year for Anthony Averett, who has occasionally looked the part of a starting-caliber cornerback when healthy. What stands out now is how quickly he rebounds from a tough rep to make a play. Averett’s struggles would sometimes snowball in the past. Corners always need short memories.
12. Injuries have limited 2019 fourth-round pick Iman Marshall to just three career games, but he’s back practicing and likely to see reps at cornerback and safety. There may not be a path to a roster spot in Baltimore, but Marshall can at least show he’s healthy during the preseason.
