With the Ravens holding their seventh full-team practice of training camp on Wednesday afternoon, I’ve offered a dozen thoughts, each in 50 words or less:
1. John Harbaugh doesn’t know when J.K. Dobbins will begin practicing, but I predict the running back has no more than another 10 days or so before his head coach’s tone will shift. Mitigating some summer injury risk is one thing, but Dobbins needs to be ready for Week 1.
2. Practicing in shells and shorts, Baltimore had a rough day health-wise with Rock Ya-Sin suffering an apparent leg injury while covering receiver Shemar Bridges in a 1-on-1 drill. Harbaugh said the early indication is it not being serious, but he’ll undergo further testing. Rookie Trenton Simpson also got banged up.
3. David Ojabo sat out after missing the latter half of Tuesday’s practice with an unspecified ailment. With his absence and Tyus Bowser still sidelined with a knee issue, the Ravens were light at outside linebacker, leading to plenty of reps for rookie Tavius Robinson and 2022 practice-squad member Jeremiah Moon.
4. Odell Beckham Jr. headlined a list of several veterans to either receive the entire workout off or practice only on a very limited basis. That wasn’t surprising after the first padded practices of the summer the previous two days.
Ravens not practicing today:
WR Odell Beckham Jr.
OLB David Ojabo
DT Michael Pierce
S Geno Stone
RB J.K. Dobbins
WR Rashod Bateman
FB Patrick Ricard
OLB Tyus Bowser
CB Trayvon Mullen
LS Nick Moore
G Andrew Vorhees
5. Lamar Jackson had a sharp throwing day with the only real blemish being a pass off the hands of Nelson Agholor — who had a strong practice otherwise — that was intercepted by Marlon Humphrey. Del’Shawn Phillips intercepted a pass for a second straight day, victimizing Josh Johnson during a 7-on-7 rep.
6. With Ya-Sin leaving practice early, Jalyn Armour-Davis received extensive work just a day after secondary coach Chris Hewitt said he’s “pushing” the projected starter. Armour-Davis definitely flashes his potential, but injuries have been the story of his young career going back to his University of Alabama days.
7. The Ravens are excited about the progress of rookie Sala Aumavae-Laulu, but Harbaugh confirmed they’ll take a look at veteran John Simpson as the starting left guard next week. More than a month remains until the opener, of course, but this appears to be a two-man race.
8. Practicing at safety and the nickel this spring and summer, Brandon Stephens had an impressive breakup of a deep ball intended for Devin Duvernay during 1-on-1 drills. Given the lack of outside cornerback depth and Stephens’ play as last season progressed, I’m a little surprised he didn’t stay there.
9. Despite being eased into action with his new team, former Pittsburgh nickel Arthur Maulet appears to be working his way into the slot corner competition. He intercepted a pass intended for Tylan Wallace during the 1-on-1 period.
10. After dealing with right shoulder problems last season, Tyler Huntley appears to be throwing the ball better than he has in a couple years. He and Johnson are competing for the primary backup job, but Huntley has really picked up his play since spring workouts.
11. The topic of Mark Andrews receiving occasional veteran days off comes up from time to time, but it’s no secret the three-time Pro Bowl tight end loves to practice. As other established veterans rested Wednesday, Andrews was all over the field making plays. His passion for the game is infectious.
12. Practice concluded with rookies going through the “slip and slide” ball security drill, which was introduced by tight ends coach George Godsey and director of football information Scott Cohen last summer. That’s always great fun to watch.
The return of the rookie slip ‘n slide 😂😂😂 pic.twitter.com/MvNvUZXe0n— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) August 2, 2023
