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When Ravens safety Reuben Lowery met up with his parents following Baltimore’s preseason finale against the Commanders on Saturday, the undrafted rookie free agent’s parting message to them was that he’d done all he can. Now, he can breathe easy. Lowery made the Ravens’ 53-man roster, a source with direct knowledge of the situation confirmed to The Baltimore Sun ahead of Tuesday’s 4 p.m. deadline to trim the roster from 89 players. “Very humbling,” Lowery’s father, Reuben II, told The Baltimore Sun. “I know God’s hand is in it. It sounds cliche, but in my mind that gave him what he needed when he needed it. But as a father and a parent, you just go ‘wow.’ I think about all those nights when he was tired and had to study, when he was working out Saturday mornings when people were sleeping, or when he’d come back from a road game in college and he would be at the library not sleeping. Those are the things I think about.” That the Tennessee-Chattanooga alum who majored in mechanical engineering made it was also not a surprise after a summer of splash plays. Senior secondary coach Chuck Pagano said Tuesday that Lowery’s “consistency” also stood out. He also noted he is routinely the first one in the building and the last to leave and “asks all the right questions” from “Day 1.” “Every single day you know exactly what you were gonna get,” he said. “He’s not gonna be one of those guys who walks out on the field and is not prepared and doesn’t know what he’s gonna do.” Lowery’s versatility also played a significant role. Though he’s listed as a safety, he also logged snaps at slot corner in the preseason and during training camp. The 5-foot-9, 204-pound athlete had a strong finish as well, with a team-high seven tackles against the Commanders, which included chasing down tight end Colson Yankoff to save a touchdown. He also extended the Ravens’ trend of finding gems after the draft. With Lowery making the team, Baltimore has now had an undrafted free agent make the roster in 21 of the past 22 seasons. This story will be updated. Have a news tip? Contact Brian Wacker at bwacker@baltsun.com, 410-332-6200 and x.com/brianwacker1. Related Articles Watch ‘Overtime’ of the Bmore Football Podcast with The Baltimore Sun’s Mike Preston and Jerry Coleman presented by Rice Law Watch Episode 1 of the BMore Football Podcast with Jerry Coleman and The Baltimore Sun’s Mike Preston Ravens’ Jaire Alexander expected to return next week: It’s a ‘long season’ READER POLL: Which Oriole is most likely to sign a long-term extension? The Ravens almost always roster a UDFA. Who could it be this year? View the full article

The Ravens released cornerback Jalyn Armour-Davis, according to a source with direct knowledge of the situation, in what was the team’s first surprising move ahead of the NFL’s roster cutdown deadline. The 2022 fourth-round pick from Alabama was having an impressive camp, capped by a jump-ball interception in the preseason finale against the Washington Commanders. Armour-Davis has been snakebitten by injuries that tempered his development, but he entered this camp as a strong candidate to compete for cornerback reps. Armour-Davis, a 25-year-old who made the cut this time last year, has played in 19 games and started three. He’s logged 172 defensive snaps and 302 special teams snaps. His departure opens the door for a few impressive undrafted rookie defensive backs on the bubble, like safety Reuben Lowery and cornerback Keyon Martin. Lowery is on the team’s initial 53-man roster, according to a source with direct knowledge of the situation. Senior secondary coach Chuck Pagano said on Tuesday that in his nearly four decades of coaching football and nearly two in the NFL, the current Ravens secondary is “as good a group as I’ve been around.” “It’s a tough day,” Pagano said. “We’re gonna have to say goodbye to a lot of really good football players but the guys that are here are here. The guys that won’t be, they’ve done enough and put enough good stuff out there on tape [to make it on another team].” Baltimore also waived third-string quarterback Devin Leary and rookie fullback Lucas Scott, according to sources with direct knowledge of the situation. Both were expected moves. Scott is a candidate to make the 16-man practice squad. The Baltimore Sun’s Brian Wacker contributed to this report, which will be updated. Have a news tip? Contact Sam Cohn at scohn@baltsun.com, 410-332-6200 and x.com/samdcohn. Related Articles Watch ‘Overtime’ of the Bmore Football Podcast with The Baltimore Sun’s Mike Preston and Jerry Coleman presented by Rice Law Watch Episode 1 of the BMore Football Podcast with Jerry Coleman and The Baltimore Sun’s Mike Preston Ravens’ Jaire Alexander expected to return next week: It’s a ‘long season’ READER POLL: Which Oriole is most likely to sign a long-term extension? The Ravens almost always roster a UDFA. Who could it be this year? View the full article

Watch the “Overtime” segment of the first episode of the BMore Football Podcast with The Baltimore Sun’s Mike Preston and Jerry Coleman presented by Rice Law. The longtime sports columnist answers reader questions from Baltimore Sun subscribers. Missed the first episode of the pod? Watch here. Have a question for Preston about the Ravens? Message us at sports@baltsun.com. You can watch the BMore Football Podcast weekly, posting on Monday next week and Tuesdays during the NFL season on YouTube and The Baltimore Sun, and listen on Spotify, Apple, Amazon and iHeart. Have a news tip? Contact Mike Preston at epreston@baltsun.com, 410-332-6467 and x.com/MikePrestonSun. View the full article

Episode 1 of the BMore Football Podcast with Jerry Coleman and The Baltimore Sun’s Mike Preston is here. You can watch it weekly, posting on Monday next week and Tuesdays during the NFL season on YouTube and The Baltimore Sun, and listen on Spotify, Apple, Amazon and iHeart. Have a news tip? Contact Mike Preston at epreston@baltsun.com, 410-332-6467 and x.com/MikePrestonSun. View the full article

The Ravens’ season opener against the Buffalo Bills lingers less than two weeks away, and quarterback Lamar Jackson was back at practice Monday as expected after getting his foot stepped on and leaving early last week. Whether his former college teammate and new cornerback Jaire Alexander will also be ready for Week 1, however, is a little more murky. Alexander, who has been dealing with a knee injury, was again absent from practice on Monday afternoon in Owings Mills, marking more than two weeks since he has suited up. But coach John Harbaugh said that he expects Alexander, along with a number of others who have been banged up of late, to be back on the field next Monday. Baltimore has two more practices this week on Tuesday and Wednesday followed by four days off. Players will then return for the first full week of practice of the regular season. “He’s been working hard as far as all the non-football stuff,” Harbaugh said of Alexander, whom the Ravens signed to a one-year, $4 million contract after seven injury-riddled and at times controversial seasons with the Green Bay Packers. “He’s been chomping at the bit. He’s been trying to break out of prison. He’s been locked away in there.” Still, not returning to practice until Sept. 1 would give the two-time Pro Bowl selection just a week to ramp up for Bills quarterback and reigning NFL Most Valuable Player Josh Allen. That’s less than ideal for an offense that ranked second in the NFL in points per game (30.6) last season. Buffalo also ended Baltimore’s playoff run with a 27-25 victory at Highmark Stadium in the divisional round in January. The last time Alexander, who has been dealing with inflammation in his knee, according to Harbaugh, was on the practice field was Aug. 9. He did emerge on a side field for some light running last Thursday but was not in uniform for the Ravens’ preseason finale Saturday against the Commanders and was not seen at all during the 30 minutes of practice open to reporters Monday. When Alexander, 28, does come back, he’ll have some considerable rust to shake off after missing what has been nine straight practices. “Practice is important and he’s a veteran guy,” Harbaugh said. “He wants to practice, so when he gets out there I’m sure he’ll be going at it. But it’ll be our job, too, to monitor that as well to make sure that we do it right. “It’s a long season and we want to bring him back the right way.” Of course, it’s not the first time Alexander has been sidelined because of an injury. Injuries hampered cornerback Jaire Alexander's time with the Packers. Now with the Ravens, injuries are once again affecting Alexander's availability. (AP file) Over three of the past four seasons, he has missed significant time because of injuries. That included last year when he played in just seven games for the Packers because of quadriceps and knee injuries, the latter requiring surgery. This summer, he has only logged about two weeks worth of practices. Alexander missed practice on July 28 because of swelling in his knee and returned the next day but a little more than a week later was out again and hasn’t practiced since. He also wasn’t the only player not practicing Monday. Tight end Mark Andrews, fullback Pat Ricard and cornerback Chidobe Awuzie were in attendance but not in uniform and working out on a side field. Linebacker Jake Hummel was also not there after having to undergo a procedure on an earlier hand injury. All are expected back by next week, Harbaugh said. Related Articles READER POLL: Which Oriole is most likely to sign a long-term extension? The Ravens almost always roster a UDFA. Who could it be this year? Ravens 53-man roster projection before final cuts: Will Beau Brade make it? Josh Tolentino: Ravens’ Trenton Simpson shows the player he can be | COMMENTARY 5 things we learned from the Ravens’ preseason win over the Commanders Tight end Isaiah Likely, who underwent surgery Aug. 1 to repair a broken bone in his right foot also did not practice but was on hand. Though he is not expected back by next week, he was also not wearing a boot or brace on his foot. Meanwhile, a few roster cuts ahead of Tuesday’s 4 p.m. deadline have already been made. One of them was undrafted rookie free agent offensive lineman Reid Holskey from Miami (Ohio), along with cornerback M.J. Devonshire and tight end Baylor Cupp. “It gets harder,” Harbaugh said of cutting players. “That’s a tough conversation. But then the guys are so grateful for the opportunity. … All I can do is give a big hug and give your phone number and say hey let’s keep in touch.” Have a news tip? Contact Brian Wacker at bwacker@baltsun.com, 410-332-6200 and x.com/brianwacker1. View the full article

Samuel Basallo on Friday became the first Orioles player since Adam Jones in 2012 to sign a long-term extension. The ballclub hopes there is more to come. Which Orioles player do you think is most likely to sign a long-term extension to remain in Baltimore? We want to hear from you. After you vote, leave a comment and we might use your take in The Baltimore Sun. The Baltimore Sun reader poll is an unscientific survey in which website users volunteer their opinions on the subject of the poll. To read the results of previous reader polls, click here. View the full article

Jay Higgins IV regrets making so many friends. Standing inside the visiting locker room at Northwest Stadium on Saturday, the undrafted rookie linebacker rested his hands on his hips and smiled. Baltimore’s preseason finale win over the Commanders was his last opportunity to prove himself worthy of making the Ravens’ initial 53-man roster. What happens between now and Tuesday’s 4 p.m. deadline is out of his hands. “I mean, we probably did it wrong. We got here and we got super close, which is probably what you shouldn’t do,” Higgins joked, “when you’re looking at the numbers of trying to make a 53-man roster.” Higgins’ name keeps bubbling up for two reasons: He has been one of the Ravens’ most dynamic preseason performers, and he fits in what has become commonplace in Baltimore, which is rostering a UDFA heading into Week 1. The Ravens have done so in 20 of the past 21 seasons. In three games this month, the Iowa product has a sack, a forced fumble and an interception. His success prompted defensive coordinator Zach Orr to declare Higgins “should have been drafted” based on his athletic ability and IQ for the game. “There’s no reason why he shouldn’t play a long time in this league,” Orr said. Mulling over the numbers, it’s likely Higgins gets iced out of the initial 53 and winds up on the practice squad if another team doesn’t see what Orr sees first. Baltimore is projected to take only four linebackers. That being Roquan Smith, Trenton Simpson, rookie Teddye Buchanan and special teams ace Jake Hummel. Higgins squeezing his way in would require the Ravens to go thinner on pass rushers, meaning releasing David Ojabo, or holding 10 defensive backs rather than 11. Both Higgins and fellow UDFA linebacker Chandler Martin fit the mold of the player Baltimore capitalizes on. Roster calculus makes it tough to see either squeezing in this week. “One thing I learned throughout this whole process is, anything can happen,” Higgins said. “I trust the leadership here. I feel like I did my best. I showed my strengths out there. I was me out there, and that’s all I can ask for.” The same can be said for a pair of mighty undersized defensive backs, Reuben Lowery and Keyon Martin. Lowery was one of the first UDFAs to flash in training camp, translating that success into the preseason, leaping for an end zone interception in Dallas. The Tennessee-Chattanooga product managed seven tackles and a pass deflection, too. Based on the preseason depth chart and a review of the past month, it appears Lowery wiggled his way inside the bubble as the fourth safety, leapfrogging Beau Brade to join Kyle Hamilton, Malaki Starks and Sanoussi Kane. Ravens cornerback Keyon Martin celebrates after intercepting a pass and running it back for a touchdown in a preseason win over the Commanders. Martin has made a strong case that he deserves to make the 53-man roster. (Nick Wass/AP) On Saturday, coach John Harbaugh had this to say about Lowery’s chances of making the roster: “I think you’re probably going to put more guys in that category that you’re talking about than can make the team, though. I think he’s definitely in that category, and that’ll be one of those decisions that we’ll have to make. He did it again today and played really well.” On the surplus of bubble guys with the talent to fill only a few roster spots category that Harbaugh referred to, Lowery is surely among the most probable. Martin, a cornerback, could be the other. Teammates were giddy for the rookie after Saturday’s win. As reporters swarmed to hear about his pick-six, nearby teammates flashed pictures of Martin cheesing under the spotlight, celebrating what has been an impressive month. He had a tackle for loss and a sack for a safety on consecutive plays the week before. “He keeps making big plays, and that’s something that is accounted for, for sure,” Harbaugh said. “I think he played sound as well; he did things the right way. He’s played just like that the whole camp.” Related Articles Ravens 53-man roster projection before final cuts: Will Beau Brade make it? Josh Tolentino: Ravens’ Trenton Simpson shows the player he can be | COMMENTARY 5 things we learned from the Ravens’ preseason win over the Commanders Mike Preston: Ravens can win with Cooper Rush if necessary | COMMENTARY Ravens QB Lamar Jackson expected to practice ‘unless he doesn’t want to,’ Harbaugh jokes Martin’s path onto the initial roster means the Ravens take seven cornerbacks, which means they’ll take 11 total defensive backs. That wouldn’t be surprising considering that positional group has already endured a pair of season-ending injuries to Bilhal Kone and Robert Longerbeam, while Jaire Alexander and Chidobe Awuzie have been absent from practice recently for respective injuries. That all plays to Martin’s favor. “Wherever the ball falls, that’s where it’s going to fall,” Martin said. “I just focus on me. I know if I do what I have to do, then things are going to play out in my favor. If I make the 53, I make the 53. It’s not something that’s on my mind these last couple of days.” Baltimore has such a rich history of hitting on UDFAs. The near-perfect two-decade streak will likely continue through Tuesday’s deadline. For some, making all those friends won’t go to waste. Have a news tip? Contact Sam Cohn at scohn@baltsun.com, 410-332-6200 and x.com/samdcohn. View the full article

The time for the Ravens has come: The readiness is all. Fatalistic as the William Shakespeare line from “Hamlet” is and perhaps overdramatic as it might seem, Baltimore has reached that point with its roster. The deadline for NFL teams to trim from 90 players to the requisite 53 is Tuesday at 4 p.m. Though there were few jobs up for grabs when the Ravens began training camp on July 23, the team’s rookie class has made the task of general manager Eric DeCosta and coach John Harbaugh that much tougher. As Harbaugh has said on a couple of occasions, there are more players who have performed well enough to make the team that won’t. It’s not hyperbole. “That’s the problem we want to have,” he said following a 30-3 drubbing of the Commanders on Saturday that wrapped up a 3-0 preseason for the Ravens. Now comes the tricky part with those decisions on the margins of a roster expected to compete for the Super Bowl. Here’s a look at the final projection of who those 53 players will likely be: Quarterbacks (2) Lamar Jackson, Cooper Rush Rush has shown this summer what the Ravens expected him to be: a capable and dependable backup who can fill in adequately if Jackson suffers an injury. Devin Leary, meanwhile, showed some growth but continued to struggle in his second year, and that raises the question of whether the Ravens should look elsewhere for a practice squad quarterback. Running backs (4) Derrick Henry, Justice Hill, Keaton Mitchell, Rasheen Ali Related Articles The Ravens almost always roster a UDFA. Who could it be this year? Josh Tolentino: Ravens’ Trenton Simpson shows the player he can be | COMMENTARY 5 things we learned from the Ravens’ preseason win over the Commanders Mike Preston: Ravens can win with Cooper Rush if necessary | COMMENTARY Ravens QB Lamar Jackson expected to practice ‘unless he doesn’t want to,’ Harbaugh jokes Just over a week ago, Harbaugh announced that his plan would be to keep four running backs, an unusual move for a backfield already loaded with talent. He then further backed Ali after the Commanders game, noting his ubiquitous presence on special teams. Given Mitchell’s injury history, Ali, a 2024 fifth-round pick who has performed well this summer, provides insurance, but it means another position group on defense will get squeezed. Wide receivers (6) Zay Flowers, Rashod Bateman, DeAndre Hopkins, Tylan Wallace, Devontez Walker, LaJohntay Wester With Walker having shown good growth in Year 2 and Wester proving a reliable and, at times, electric punt returner, the biggest question among the group is who will make the practice squad. Veterans Anthony Miller and Keith Kirkwood, as well as second-year receiver Dayton Wade and Malik Cunningham, are among the possibilities, though Wade suffered a shoulder injury Saturday while undrafted free agent rookie Xavier Guillory broke his collarbone in the game. Tight ends/fullback (4) Mark Andrews, Isaiah Likely, Charlie Kolar, Patrick Ricard The biggest question here is whether the Ravens start Likely on injured reserve, which would mean he couldn’t play until Week 5. The fourth-year tight end had surgery on a broken bone in his foot Aug. 1 and Harbaugh said it’s possible Likely could be back for Week 1. That seems unlikely with the start of the season less than two weeks away, but if the Ravens feel he’ll be able to return by a Week 4 showdown against the Kansas City Chiefs, he’ll be on the 53-man roster. From left, Ravens offensive linemen Daniel Faalele, Corey Bullock and Nick Samac share a laugh during practice last week. Bullock and Samac are battling to be the backup center. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff) Offensive linemen (9) Ronnie Stanley, Andrew Vorhees, Tyler Linderbaum, Daniel Faalele, Roger Rosengarten, Joseph Noteboom, Corey Bullock, Ben Cleveland, Carson Vinson Harbaugh has already confirmed the Ravens’ starting line will be the first five names on this list. He also intimated he would keep nine linemen. With Noteboom as the team’s swing tackle, that leaves a handful of players for the final three spots. Bullock has impressed and started at center all preseason, so he’ll likely replace Nick Samac as Linderbaum’s backup. Cleveland, maligned as he has been, has experience at guard, and Harbaugh likes him on the field goal block unit. Vinson, a sixth-round rookie, is a developmental tackle but has made some strides this summer. Defensive linemen (5) Nnamdi Madubuike, Travis Jones, Broderick Washington, John Jenkins, Aeneas Peebles C.J. Okoye and C.J. Ravenell have played well this summer, and under different circumstances, at least one would have likely made the team. But with the Ravens so infrequently in their base defense, there are only so many defensive linemen they can keep. Jenkins also fills the role of run-stuffing nose tackle, while sixth-round rookie Peebles is a fascinating player with terrific get-off. Veteran Brent Urban was on the roster last season, but at 34, he might be willing to agree to a practice squad deal. Outside linebackers (5) Odafe Oweh, Kyle Van Noy, Tavius Robinson, Mike Green, David Ojabo The competition for the fifth outside linebacker spot (or the possibility of Baltimore keeping a sixth) essentially ended when Adisa Isaac suffered a dislocated elbow in the Cowboys game. That means Ojabo, a 2022 second-round pick who has suffered a litany of injuries and struggled to develop, will be on the team, while others such as Malik Hamm and Kaimon Rucker would at best be on the practice squad. Inside linebackers (4) Roquan Smith, Trenton Simpson, Teddye Buchanan, Jake Hummel Buchanan has struggled at times, but has also made some nice plays. The fourth-round rookie will be on the team. Hummel is a special teams ace who was brought in to replace Malik Harrison and Chris Board. Undrafted rookies Jay Higgins IV and Chandler Martin have played well all summer, made plays and garnered plenty of deserved attention. But when it comes down to a final roster spot or two, other factors — such as special teams and a greater need in the defensive backfield — mean there likely isn’t room for a fifth inside linebacker. Ravens cornerback Keyon Martin had a pick-six against the Commanders on Saturday in Landover. (Nick Wass/AP) Cornerbacks (7) Marlon Humphrey, Nate Wiggins, Jaire Alexander, Chidobe Awuzie, T.J. Tampa, Jalyn Armour-Davis, Keyon Martin DeCosta is fond of saying cornerbacks are like Bugattis — a premium but fragile asset that breaks down a lot. The analogy has already played out with Alexander and Awuzie having missed time during training camp and rookies Robert Longerbeam and Bilhal Kone lost for the season. Meanwhile, Armour-Davis, once thought to be a bubble guy, has stood out over the past five weeks while Martin, an undrafted rookie who only landed in Baltimore after a tryout, has starred of late with a few splash plays to go with steady performance. Martin would also provide depth in the slot. Safeties (4) Kyle Hamilton, Malaki Starks, Sanoussi Kane, Reuben Lowery Lowery’s ascent has included going from training camp darling to surpassing second-year safety Beau Brade, who has played late into the past two preseason games and been behind the undrafted rookie on the depth chart. That’s not a great sign for Brade, the former River Hill and Maryland standout who was a contributor on special teams last season. Still, Baltimore could decide to keep Brade and instead try to stash Martin on its practice squad, calling him if needed during the season. Specialists (3) Tyler Loop, Jordan Stout, Nick Moore After the Ravens cut undrafted rookie John Hoyland two weeks into training camp, the kick job became Loop’s to lose. The sixth-round rookie drafted to replace the embattled Justin Tucker solidified his hold on it by the end of the second preseason game and finished preseason making 9 of 11 field goal attempts, including ones from 52, 53 and 61 yards. Now all that’s left to see is how he fares when the games count. Have a news tip? Contact Brian Wacker at bwacker@baltsun.com, 410-332-6200 and x.com/brianwacker1. View the full article

LANDOVER — Trenton Simpson needed a performance like this. Once benched and doubted, the Ravens’ third-year linebacker stepped onto the field Saturday as the team’s lone projected Week 1 starter in uniform and reminded everyone why Baltimore’s coaching staff still believes that he can be the defense’s next playmaker alongside three-time All-Pro Roquan Smith. In the Ravens’ 30-3 blowout victory over the Washington Commanders in the team’s preseason finale at Northwest Stadium, Simpson turned a meaningless late-August exhibition into his personal showcase. It was perhaps his best performance as a Raven. He flashed active hands near the line of scrimmage, tipping a pass attempt that went skyward and floated into the arms of cornerback Jalyn Armour-Davis. With just 36 seconds left in the first half, Simpson shot into the backfield and strip-sacked Commanders backup quarterback Sam Hartman. Both takeaways set up field goals from rookie kicker Tyler Loop and tilted early momentum squarely in Baltimore’s favor. For Simpson, it was more than just splash plays. It was part of a long response that’s helped define his summer. His sophomore season unraveled last year, when blown assignments and inconsistent play cost him his starting job by Week 13. Simpson was replaced by Chris Board and Malik Harrison, both of whom have since departed in free agency. Simpson, a 2023 third-round draft pick out of Clemson, went from promising rookie to serious question mark in less than a season. Baltimore’s burden at weak-side linebacker has only grown heavier after Patrick Queen’s departure to Pittsburgh in free agency in 2024. The Ravens desperately need Simpson to seize the spot next to Smith and evolve into the kind of dominant linebacker this franchise has always demanded from the position. “That [performance] meant a lot, going out there,” Simpson told The Baltimore Sun. “That’s the emphasis in practice, getting the ball back to the offense, getting shots on guys, getting picks. “I’m growing up. … Just improving and just coming into work every day trying to learn something new.” Simpson’s story was never conventional. He was an All-American running back at North Carolina’s Mallard Creek High School before Clemson converted him to defense, and he’s still learning the finer points of the position. For Simpson, athleticism has never been a doubt. Related Articles 5 things we learned from the Ravens’ preseason win over the Commanders Mike Preston: Ravens can win with Cooper Rush if necessary | COMMENTARY Ravens QB Lamar Jackson expected to practice ‘unless he doesn’t want to,’ Harbaugh jokes Risers and fallers: Ravens end preseason with 30-3 win over Commanders Instant analysis from Ravens’ 30-3 win over Commanders in preseason finale The real challenge is whether his processing and instincts will catch up to his physical gifts. Coach John Harbaugh believes that’s been the case for Simpson this summer. “I think Trenton has taken a really big step this year,” Harbaugh said. “This year, he’s taken a big step in terms of keeping it simple. [The game] has slowed down, his brain is processing it faster. It seems like he’s very comfortable.” That comfort was clear against Washington, albeit with reserves on both sides of the field. Simpson wasn’t freelancing nor out of place. He was communicating and often in the right spots. Rookie linebacker Teddye Buchanan, a sixth-round pick out of California who shared a sack with Simpson in the second quarter, said that he already feels Simpson’s mentorship. “It was cool to get home for that sack,” Buchanan said. “Coach [Zach Orr] put us in a great position, so it was just about executing. Getting home was cool especially because me and Trenton have been playing a lot together this preseason. It’s been great having Trenton. He’s a great player, a great friend. He’s growing into a leader on the team as he becomes the veteran.” Veteran? Simpson might only be entering Year 3, but the pressure is on. “I’m growing up," Ravens linebacker Trenton Simpson said. "Just improving and just coming into work every day trying to learn something new.” (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff) After all, Baltimore has long relied on its inside linebackers to define and own its defense’s identity. From Ray Lewis with Bart Scott to Lewis with Dannell Ellerbe. Smith with Queen. This season, it’s supposed to be Smith and Simpson. Again. The preseason will soon be forgotten, but Simpson’s impact against Washington was a glimpse of the player Baltimore has been waiting to see. He was decisive, disruptive and dependable. After last season’s setback, the Ravens aren’t just hoping Simpson figures it out in Year 3. They’re counting on it. Because if Orr needs to make another midseason change, can the Ravens trust the rookie Buchanan? Simpson’s standout performance in the final exhibition might not have erased the doubts that emerged last season, but it showed a linebacker playing with urgency and confidence. If he can bottle that and carry this momentum into September, the Ravens’ defense might once again have the inside tandem it needs. Have a news tip? Contact Josh Tolentino at jtolentino@baltsun.com, 410-332-6200, x.com/JCTSports and instagram.com/JCTSports. View the full article

LANDOVER — The Ravens dominated the Washington Commanders, 30-3, forcing four turnovers to complement a clock-chewing running game as the curtain closed Saturday on an undefeated, drama-free preseason. Here are five things we learned: No one starts the final preseason game by accident The Ravens had only one true defensive starter suit up at Northwest Stadium: third-year linebacker Trenton Simpson. After a down year in 2024, the nadir being a post-Week 13 benching, Simpson bulked up heading into a prove-it camp. Having him start all three preseason games implies that Baltimore coaches still needed to see something — even if that doesn’t sway his projected starting role. Simpson’s response? The best showing he’s had all summer, getting his hands involved in a pair of turnovers and recording 1 1/2 sacks. Early in the second quarter, Simpson lined up over Washington’s right tackle and stabbed his hand toward the sky. His fingertips obstructed a pass from Sam Hartman that fell into the hands of cornerback Jalyn Armour-Davis, whose impressive camp has flown a bit under the radar. Before halftime, Simpson wrapped up Hartman for a strip-sack that outside linebacker Malik Hamm recovered. “Trenton has really made a big step this year,” coach John Harbaugh said. “I just feel like the way he’s processing the game has been a big step. … Maybe it slowed down, maybe his brain processes faster, so his game has slowed down just a little bit. He seems like he’s very comfortable.” Teddye Buchanan would be the one vying to unseat Simpson. The fourth-round rookie has rotated in with the first-teamers in practice. He teamed up with Simpson to log a half sack Saturday. He’s been sharp against the run. But he’s been less reliable when it’s not obvious where the ball is going — run-pass options, play-action, etc. It showed on Saturday when Hartman’s fake handoff pulled Buchanan a touch toward the line of scrimmage, freeing up tight end Colson Yankoff up the seam for what resulted in a 52-yard pickup. Rookie edge rusher Mike Green is likely in a similar spot to Simpson. His impressive camp means that he’s in line to be on the field a lot, but the Ravens still want to see the second-round pick take advantage of more live reps, which led to him playing against Washington. He said there weren’t specific conversations about whether he should play in the preseason finale but acknowledged that it has been beneficial. “I think it was great for me just to build up my football endurance and just get a better feel of the defense for another game,” Green said. Malaki Starks hasn’t had to think about that. He warmed up in Landover but didn’t take a snap, similar to how Baltimore handled cornerback Nate Wiggins a year ago. All signs indicate that this year’s first-round pick is ready to go. The heavy chain bearing his last name that he wore through the postgame locker room says it all. Related Articles Josh Tolentino: Ravens’ Trenton Simpson shows the player he can be | COMMENTARY Mike Preston: Ravens can win with Cooper Rush if necessary | COMMENTARY Ravens QB Lamar Jackson expected to practice ‘unless he doesn’t want to,’ Harbaugh jokes Risers and fallers: Ravens end preseason with 30-3 win over Commanders Instant analysis from Ravens’ 30-3 win over Commanders in preseason finale UDFAs continue their fight for roster spots The only thought in Keyon Martin’s mind was “don’t be one of those DBs.” Hartman dropped back in the pocket and telegraphed his pass right to Martin. All the undrafted rookie had to do was put his hands up and not let the ball ricochet to the turf. “Then everybody would say, ‘Oh, you should have caught it.'” The Ravens have had an undrafted free agent standout in all three of their preseason games. Saturday happened to be Martin’s turn (again). He intercepted Hartman for his first-career pick-six, complemented by a tackle for loss. This, after he had a sack for a safety in Dallas. The cornerback from Louisiana spent Friday night visualizing a pick as his head hit the pillow. It didn’t play out the same way it did in his mind, but he was giddy nonetheless. Martin seems to have wiggled his way into the initial 53-man roster. The 5-foot-9, 170-pound playmaker is a bit too small to contribute on special teams but certainly can offer depth at nickel if the Ravens’ decision-makers feel the need to stock up on a position fraught with injury. If they take seven cornerbacks, write Martin’s name in pencil. “He keeps making big plays, and that’s something that is accounted for, for sure,” Harbaugh said. “I think he played sound as well; he did things the right way. He’s played just like that the whole camp.” That’s why Martin’s name continues to pop up among a group of UDFAs all contending for a finite number of spots. Surely you’ve heard by now of Baltimore’s propensity for rostering a UDFA; they’ve done it in 20 of the past 21 seasons. That decision window for 2025 closes on Tuesday at 4 p.m. Defensive back Reuben Lowery and inside linebacker Jay Higgins IV are the other two who have impressed this preseason. Together, the trio has combined for four of Baltimore’s seven total takeaways this preseason. They’re earning their keep, though it’s coming at the expense of others. That includes former River Hill and Maryland star Beau Brade, who was in the mix to fill the third safety spot at the outset of camp and, as of Saturday, received most of his reps late in the win, perhaps an indication of where the player Harbaugh recently said is “good enough to make the team” stands in the waning days before the roster gets finalized. Commanders wide receiver Chris Moore is unable to catch a pass as Ravens cornerback T.J. Tampa Jr. defends on Saturday. (AP Photo/Stephanie Scarbrough) Get used to seeing that one DB celebration It’s a sword! It’s a seatbelt! It’s Jaire Alexander’s imprint on a defense that he hasn’t fully practiced with in a month. Alexander arrived in Baltimore this summer with an unmistakable swagger. He’s got a unique energy, not unlike Marlon Humphrey, teammates said. Wide receiver Zay Flowers called him the most confident defensive back he’d ever lined up across. That is, in part, a nod to his patented celebration that looks like he’s strapping a seatbelt but might actually be sheathing a sword. Either way, it’s the Ravens craze that’s here to stay. A welcome addition considering there were internal conversations last year about the lack of big-play juice. In the first quarter on Saturday, cornerback T.J. Tampa Jr. disrupted a long ball up the left sideline and buckled his seatbelt. The play was nullified by penalty. The celebration was not. A play later, Armour-Davis’ pass break-up had him, Tampa and Lowery all synching up to slide imaginary swords into their belts. Or lock seatbelts. Whichever. Armour-Davis and Tampa are roster locks, solidified by season-ending injuries to rookies Bilhal Kone and Robert Longerbeam. Lowery has made a convincing case to sneak onto the roster as the fourth safety, amplified by his makeup as a hybrid defensive back. Considering neither Alexander nor Chidobe Awuzie, two offseason acquisitions in the secondary, have practiced recently because of injury, that trio and how many times they can play sword-sheathing-worthy defense becomes all the more interesting. They’re pushing to see how far Loop can go This is no longer a conversation about whether rookie kicker Tyler Loop can handle being the next Ravens kicker. He quieted most concerns after twice missing from distance in preseason games and then going back out and nailing the deeper redemption try. On Saturday, he doubled down, legging out a 61-yarder with room to spare. Loop’s longest attempt of the preseason was no accident. Harbaugh said their plan was to have him try from 63. Then on third-and-9, Devin Leary dropped a screen pass down to D’Ernest Johnson that he converted into a first down, which foiled those plans. Losing 7 total yards on the next three plays put them back on schedule for a long kick. “See how well that worked out for us?” Harbaugh said. “It was a great kick. It was nice to see.” Special teams coach Randy Brown pitched Loop on the idea of trying one from distance. “Heck yes, why not?’” Loop told him. Ravens kicker Tyler Loop connects on a 61-yard field goal against the Commanders. (AP Photo/Daniel Kucin Jr.) There were previously reasons to be skeptical of the organization’s first drafted kicker. While he’s strung together an efficient training camp, complemented by a near-perfect preseason, there were signs one might be inclined to read into. Loop’s biggest knock coming out of college was that he had a propensity to miss left. That’s how a couple of misses unfolded in practice. His 50-yarder against Dallas fell the same way. But Loop has since shown that he’s mastered the preseason — with distance. Neither Harbaugh nor Loop had numbers to quantify Loop’s range. The rookie called it “pretty fluid.” He’ll go back and forth with Brown pregame to get a feel for the wind and the stadium and how he’s swinging his leg on a given day. “Today, when we were going that way, we were joking,” Loop said. “We were like, ‘Hey, if it’s on the 50, let’s just try it for fun.’ But yes, I’m just trying to hit every ball the same. That’s kind of the big part of it.” Lamar Jackson is indeed fine The two-time Most Valuable Player left practice early Wednesday, and a team spokesperson clarified that he got his foot stepped on. Jackson did not practice Thursday, but Harbaugh said that his X-rays came back clean. Anyone with any vested interest in the success of the Ravens this season has been on pins and needles waiting to hear any iota of an update on the quarterback. Harbaugh said Saturday afternoon that he expects Jackson to practice Monday. “Yes, absolutely. Unless he doesn’t want to,” Harbaugh said, a hearty laugh cutting into his otherwise stoic demeanor. “He is Lamar.” Backup Cooper Rush has had a so-so training camp. In the preseason, he completed 22 of 34 attempts for 214 yards with one touchdown and a trio of interceptions. He took steps forward with each outing, from a short-lived debut marred by an interception on his first throw to his third time out, in which Harbaugh deemed him “a very good backup quarterback.” If the Ravens have it their way, there won’t be any need to worry about whether Rush can keep the team afloat. Have a news tip? Contact Sam Cohn at scohn@baltsun.com, 410-332-6200 and x.com/samdcohn. View the full article

LANDOVER — The Ravens unveiled their game plan in case backup quarterback Cooper Rush has to play for starter Lamar Jackson. It wasn’t pretty, but effective. The plan also depends on the opponent just as much as the quarterback. If it’s Kansas City’s Patrick Mahomes or Buffalo’s Josh Allen, then the Ravens might be in trouble because they’ll have to push the offense. But against most teams in the AFC, the Ravens would be competitive, and would probably win. Rush, 31, was signed by the Ravens in March to a two-year, $6.2 million deal worth up to $12.2 million. Against the Commanders on Saturday afternoon at Northwest Stadium, Rush completed all five of his passes for 59 yards and a 14-0 lead before being replaced by Devin Leary early in the second quarter of an eventual 30-3 win. Apparently, Ravens coach John Harbaugh had seen enough. Actually, we’ve all seen enough, and maybe the owners will finally decide to shorten the preseason to two games. But after three exhibitions and nearly four weeks of training camp practice, the Ravens’ game plan of featuring the No. 1 running game the past two years hasn’t changed. It will be Derrick Henry with plenty of carries, and then more Henry. There will be modest changes. Jackson can throw almost any pass required by a NFL quarterback except the deep comeback. With Rush in the lineup, the dynamics change. Not just because Jackson is a better runner and scrambler, but Rush’s arm isn’t as strong. So, what you got Saturday is most likely what you will get on game day if Jackson is sidelined. According to Harbaugh, Jackson is expected to practice Monday after suffering an apparent injury Wednesday. Rush, though, played well. He threw a lot of quick slants and hitches. On the Ravens’ opening 14-play, 70-yard scoring drive against the Commanders, they ran the ball 10 times. On their next seven-play, 57-yard scoring drive, which resulted in a 1-yard touchdown run by D’Ernest Johnson, the Ravens got a little bold with a 22-yard completion over the middle to LaJohntay Wester off a play-action pass from Rush. You get the picture. The Ravens were pretty vanilla Saturday, but they won’t go far off course. Related Articles Ravens QB Lamar Jackson expected to practice ‘unless he doesn’t want to,’ Harbaugh jokes Risers and fallers: Ravens end preseason with 30-3 win over Commanders Instant analysis from Ravens’ 30-3 win over Commanders in preseason finale The 6 Ravens with most at stake in preseason finale vs. Commanders Ravens stock report: Who’s trending up, down as training camp concludes? Without Jackson, there are no options or fake quarterback runs off the perimeter. There is no Jackson dart left, dart right, improvise and throw a touchdown pass. With Rush, he has to make throws and deliver the ball quickly. He has decent athleticism, but isn’t in Jackson’s class. Few are. But the Ravens have the playmakers who can complement Rush. Rashod Bateman is a good route runner. Fellow wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins has good hands, as strong as any receiver in the league. The Ravens also have tight end Mark Andrews, who could become Rush’s go-to receiver just like he has been for Jackson. Everything, though, is predicated off the run. That’s where Henry and his supporting cast come in. The Ravens have a solid backup in Justice Hill, a third-down specialist whom Rush can throw safely to out of the backfield. They also have Keaton Mitchell, a good change-of-pace back for Henry. “I think things went well,” Rush said of his performance. “You always like those long drives that take eight or nine minutes. We were moving the ball on the ground. Those guys up front and our backs played very hard. We did a good job of operating and our center [Corey Bullock] always makes it easy with the pass protections. It’s a lot easier when you are operating the way we were.” Ravens backup quarterback Cooper Rush celebrates with running back Rasheen Ali during Saturday's preseason win over the Commanders. (AP Photo/Daniel Kucin Jr.) It seemed kind of weird that the Ravens gave Rush or any backup quarterback that kind of money several months ago. After watching him perform in training camp, there were doubts. Early in organized team activities, he had no touch on the long ball. His timing was off, especially with the tight ends. There were times when Rush threw some of the strangest interceptions in practice and you wondered whether he could ever become the quality backup the Ravens wanted him to be. But offensive coordinator Todd Monken has shaped a game plan around Rush, who has played in 38 games since 2021 as the primary backup to Dallas’ Dak Prescott. Rush started 14 of those games and has a 9-5 record with a passer rating of 83.8. He isn’t Jackson, but he doesn’t have to be. Like most backups, he doesn’t have the arm strength to be a starter, but it’s not required in another offense. It’s all about design. He can win if needed. Have a news tip? Contact Mike Preston at epreston@baltsun.com, 410-332-6467 and x.com/MikePrestonSun. View the full article

Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson is expected be ready for the regular season. Coach John Harbaugh said after Baltimore’s 30-3 win over the Washington Commanders in Saturday’s preseason finale that Jackson is expected to return to practice Monday after exiting Wednesday’s session early with an apparent injury. “Unless he doesn’t want to,” Harbaugh joked, eliciting laughter from the assembled media at Northwest Stadium in Landover. “He is Lamar.” Jackson was knocked down on a passing play during a full-team period against the scout team defense Wednesday and was helped up by left tackle Ronnie Stanley. The two-time NFL Most Valuable Player stayed in for two more plays but looked to be flexing his wrist or throwing arm. He left the field with strength and conditioning coordinator Scott Elliott and didn’t practice Thursday. Harbaugh said Thursday that Jackson got his foot stepped on, but that an X-ray revealed no damage. The coach said that he was relieved that Jackson avoided a major injury. “I was praying, and God came through,” he said. Jackson, who hasn’t played in the preseason since 2021, was on the sideline with his teammates in street clothes during Saturday’s final exhibition. He did not appear to be walking with any noticeable limp and was not wearing any protective gear. The Ravens will begin preparation in earnest next week for their Sept. 7 regular-season opener against the host Bills in a rematch of last season’s AFC divisional round clash won by Buffalo, 27-25. Have a news tip? Contact sports editor C.J. Doon at cdoon@baltsun.com, 410-332-6200 and x.com/CJDoon. Related Articles Mike Preston: Ravens can win with Cooper Rush if necessary | COMMENTARY Risers and fallers: Ravens end preseason with 30-3 win over Commanders Instant analysis from Ravens’ 30-3 win over Commanders in preseason finale The 6 Ravens with most at stake in preseason finale vs. Commanders Ravens stock report: Who’s trending up, down as training camp concludes? View the full article

LANDOVER — Preseason finales are largely about bubble players getting one final shot to impress coaches as they try to make the roster. And, of course, about teams escaping uninjured. On the latter front, the Ravens had two wide receivers, Dayton Wade and Xavier Guillory, both go down with shoulder injuries Saturday against the Commanders. On the former, much of Baltimore’s roster was likely already set, though there remains some intrigue over the precious final few spots. That intrigue was perhaps further fueled by undrafted rookie cornerback Keyon Martin, whose interception return for a touchdown late in the second half was one of a few highlights in Baltimore’s 30-3 blowout of Washington. Here’s a look at the biggest risers and fallers from the Ravens’ final preseason game: Risers Cooper Rush: It was a short but efficient day for the Ravens’ No. 2 quarterback. With Lamar Jackson in street clothes on the sideline and looking just fine after leaving practice early with an apparent injury Wednesday, his backup completed all five of his attempts for 59 yards. That included a nice deep out to rookie wide receiver LaJohntay Wester for 22 yards to the Commanders’ 7-yard line in the second quarter to set up Baltimore’s second touchdown of the game, a 1-yard run from D’Ernest Johnson. Keyon Martin: For the second straight game, the undrafted rookie cornerback made a splash play. Last week, he recorded a safety when he raced in unblocked and dropped Cowboys quarterback Joe Milton III in the end zone. Saturday, he read Sam Hartman’s throw to Luke McCaffrey before the ball was even out of the quarterback’s hand, broke on the out route and easily picked it off before racing 26 yards to the end zone for a touchdown. Martin also dropped McCaffrey for a 2-yard loss in the first quarter, downed a punt from Jordan Stout at the 11 in the second and brought down running back Jeremy McNichols for a 4-yard loss. The Louisiana product wasn’t even initially signed by Baltimore and only was added after a tryout. But he might be one of several undrafted free agents to make the 53-man roster. Related Articles The 6 Ravens with most at stake in preseason finale vs. Commanders Ravens stock report: Who’s trending up, down as training camp concludes? Ravens first-year coach is ‘amazing instructor’ who came highly recommended Ravens QB Lamar Jackson misses practice after injury scare: ‘He’s good’ Ravens observations: Undrafted rookie from Army might be future at fullback Reuben Lowery: It’s been a stanout summer for the undrafted free agent safety out of Tennessee-Chattanooga and it continued Saturday. In addition to leading Baltimore in tackles (seven), Lowery chased down Colson Yankoff midway through the second quarter to save a touchdown. The play went for 52 yards, but that wasn’t on Lowery, who raced downfield, caught and dragged down the 6-foot-4, 225-pound tight end. It was all but a certainty that Lowery had already made the team in the minds of coaches, but he didn’t play like his spot was already secured. Trenton Simpson: Right behind Lowery in tackles was the inside linebacker, the only starter on either side of the ball to play Saturday. Simpson had six tackles, 1 1/2 sacks, two quarterback hits, one pass breakup and a forced fumble when he dropped Hartman with under a minute to go in the first half. Malik Hamm recovered and that set up a 52-yard field goal by Tyler Loop as time expired. Tyler Loop: The kicking job is already the rookie’s, and the sixth-round pick continued to justify coach John Harbaugh’s decision to name him Justin Tucker’s replacement. Loop converted all three of his field goal attempts, drilling a 46-yarder and the aforementioned 52-yarder before delivering his best one of the preseason. Early in the fourth quarter, he smoked a 61-yard try down the middle with plenty of room to spare. Fallers Devin Leary: It was another shaky outing for Baltimore’s No. 3 quarterback. First, the second-year passer had Anthony Miller for a second-quarter touchdown up the sideline after the receiver got behind safety Tyler Owens, but he threw the ball too far inside, allowing Owens to get back in position and break it up. On the next play, Leary’s egregious throw to Miller coming across the middle was high and behind him, hanging the veteran out to dry against his defender. Late in the third quarter, Leary aired it out for Miller again, but he was well-covered and the pass fell harmlessly to the ground. Preseason stats only go so far, but averaging 3.1 yards per attempt against third-stringers and guys who won’t have a job come Tuesday did not inspire. Baltimore Ravens running back Rasheen Ali (26) scores a touchdown during an NFL football game against the Washington Commanders, Saturday, Aug. 23, 2025, in Landover. (AP Photo/Daniel Kucin Jr.)Baltimore Ravens head coach John Harbaugh watches from the sidelines during the first half of a preseason NFL football game against the Washington Commanders Saturday, Aug. 23, 2025, in Landover, Md. (AP Photo/Stephanie Scarbrough)Washington Commanders quarterback Sam Hartman (15) fumbles the ball during an NFL football game against the Baltimore Ravens, Saturday, Aug. 23, 2025, in Landover. (AP Photo/Daniel Kucin Jr.)Baltimore Ravens cornerback Jalyn Armour-Davis (5) celebrates with his teammates during an NFL football game against the Washington Commanders, Saturday, Aug. 23, 2025, in Landover. (AP Photo/Daniel Kucin Jr.)Ravens cornerback Keyon Martin celebrates after intercepting a pass and running it back for a touchdown during the first half Saturday against the Commanders in Landover. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)Washington Commanders quarterback Sam Hartman (15) is sacked by Baltimore Ravens inside linebacker Trenton Simpson (32) and inside linebacker Teddye Buchanan (40) as defensive lineman Aeneas Peebles (93) gets in on the play during the first half of a preseason NFL football game Saturday, Aug. 23, 2025, in Landover, Md. (AP Photo/Stephanie Scarbrough)Baltimore Ravens quarterback Devin Leary (13) throws over Washington Commanders safety Daryl Worley (29) during the first half of a preseason NFL football game Saturday, Aug. 23, 2025, in Landover, Md. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson watches from the sidelines during the first half of a preseason NFL football game against the Washington Commanders Saturday, Aug. 23, 2025, in Landover, Md. (AP Photo/Stephanie Scarbrough)Baltimore Ravens running back D'Ernest Johnson (30) celebrates after scoring during the first half of a preseason NFL football game against the Washington Commanders Saturday, Aug. 23, 2025, in Landover, Md. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)Washington Commanders wide receiver Chris Moore is unable to catch a pass as Baltimore Ravens cornerback T.J. Tampa Jr. (27) defends during the first half of a preseason NFL football game Saturday, Aug. 23, 2025, in Landover, Md. (AP Photo/Stephanie Scarbrough)Baltimore Ravens head coach John Harbaugh greets his team before a preseason NFL football game against the Washington Commanders Saturday, Aug. 23, 2025, in Landover, Md. (AP Photo/Stephanie Scarbrough)Baltimore Ravens running back Rasheen Ali (26) is congratulated by teammates after scoring on a touchdown run during the first half of a preseason NFL football game against the Washington Commanders Saturday, Aug. 23, 2025, in Landover, Md. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)Show Caption1 of 12Baltimore Ravens running back Rasheen Ali (26) scores a touchdown during an NFL football game against the Washington Commanders, Saturday, Aug. 23, 2025, in Landover. (AP Photo/Daniel Kucin Jr.)Expand Teddye Buchanan: The rookie inside linebacker struggled again in pass coverage, continuing what has been an uneven preseason for the fourth-round pick. In particular, he seemed to be fooled on a few run-pass options or play-action passes and was often out of position as a result. He also whiffed on an open-field tackle of McCaffrey on an 11-yard completion in the second quarter. Bringing down any wide receiver in that situation is a tough task for a lot of linebackers, but he barely got a hand on him. T.J. Tampa Jr.: The second-year cornerback allowed the longest play of the game, choosing to try to blow up Yankoff on a completion in the middle of the field instead of simply tackling him. Not only did Yankoff not go down, but he rumbled 52 yards before being chased down by Lowery. The play led to Washington’s first points of the game, a 47-yard field goal. Later, Tampa was flagged for pass interference on Ja’Corey Brooks with under a minute to go in the first half. The flag gave Washington some life, but only for a moment with Hartman being strip-sacked by Simpson two plays later. Carson Vinson: The rookie tackle out of Alabama A&M is a project, so that has to be taken into consideration. But once again the 6-7, 320-pound fifth-round pick seemed to lack some power while getting the start at left tackle. Baltimore ran the ball well on its opening drive, with 12 of 14 plays coming on the ground before Rasheen Ali found the end zone off left tackle from 9 yards out, but Vinson continues to look like a long-term project. This article will be updated. Have a news tip? Contact Brian Wacker at bwacker@baltsun.com, 410-332-6200 and x.com/brianwacker1. View the full article

Here’s what The Baltimore Sun sports staff had to say immediately after the Ravens’ 30-3 win over the Washington Commanders on Saturday afternoon at Northwest Stadium in Landover. Brian Wacker, reporter: The Ravens’ game plan was obvious from the start: Keep the clock running. Baltimore ran it on 12 of its first 14 plays and the game ended up finishing in under three hours. At this point, many of the roster decisions have been made, so it was a chance for a few players on the bubble to make one last push to make the roster. Unsurprisingly, undrafted rookie free agents Reuben Lowery and Keyon Martin continued to make plays, with Lowery saving a touchdown after a long gain by tight end Colson Yankoff and Martin providing a pick-six. Don’t be surprised if at least two undrafted rookies make Baltimore’s 53-man roster. Mike Preston, columnist: Eventually, the NFL will shorten the preseason from three games to two. It’s inevitable, and has already been discussed by league executives. The Ravens got very little out of this game except to find some special team performers, but at least some of the backups got a chance to play because they won’t see much playing time during the regular season. The Ravens also got to see a second strong performance by backup quarterback Cooper Rush, and kicker Tyler Loop showed he has the distance with a 61-yard field goal in the fourth quarter. Now, it will be interesting to see how the first-team secondary has progressed under senior secondary coach Chuck Pagano. It’s time to start the regular season. It’s show time. Bring it on. Josh Tolentino, columnist: The Ravens closed out their preseason with contributions from a cast of depth players, underscoring the strength of a roster that’s already largely set heading into Week 1 at Buffalo. Rising undrafted safety Reuben Lowery led the team with seven tackles, while fellow rookie defensive back Keyon Martin provided the highlight of the afternoon with a pick-six on a pass from Washington backup quarterback Sam Hartman. Third-year linebacker Trenton Simpson, the lone projected defensive starter to suit up against the Commanders, was disruptive, helping force two takeaways that swung early momentum in Baltimore’s favor. Even with impressive outings from Lowery, Martin and other undrafted hopefuls, coach John Harbaugh has already indicated that the 53-man roster is essentially set ahead of Tuesday’s roster cut deadline. For the fringe players, Saturday offered more of a final audition for potential practice squad spots in Baltimore or elsewhere. The Ravens conclude the preseason unbeaten, a nice but ultimately meaningless footnote. Ultimately, all eyes remain on two-time NFL Most Valuable Player Lamar Jackson. After leaving practice earlier in the week with seemingly a minor injury scare (X-rays on his foot came back negative), Jackson was back on the sideline Saturday, walking without a limp or protective gear. Sam Cohn, reporter: Finally, we can start thinking about the regular season! Meaningful football. The only thing standing in our way is Tuesday’s roster deadline and this game — which featured four forced turnovers by Baltimore’s defense — offered a bit more clarity on some of those looming choices. Undrafted free agent Reuben Lowery played early and often, and there’s a real chance the hybrid defensive back squeezes into a thin position group. Cornerback Keyon Martin, another UDFA, added a pick-six as he’s trying to break through the roster bubble. On the other hand, safety Beau Brade played sparingly and late in this one, implying a tougher route to the final 53. Related Articles Mike Preston: Ravens can win with Cooper Rush if necessary | COMMENTARY Ravens QB Lamar Jackson expected to practice ‘unless he doesn’t want to,’ Harbaugh jokes Risers and fallers: Ravens end preseason with 30-3 win over Commanders The 6 Ravens with most at stake in preseason finale vs. Commanders Ravens stock report: Who’s trending up, down as training camp concludes? Jay Higgins IV didn’t jump off the page Saturday like he did with a pair of takeaways the past two games. The inside linebacker’s path to the league more likely starts on Baltimore’s practice squad, but it’s not nothing to hear defensive coordinator Zach Orr say that the former Iowa star should have been drafted. Check back in three days. C.J. Doon, editor: If we learned anything from this game, it’s that the Ravens’ depth should be the envy of the league. Cooper Rush looked like the high-end backup quarterback he’s paid to be. Rasheen Ali might be the best fourth running back in the league. Reuben Lowery and Keyon Martin might have solidified their spots on the roster, and fellow undrafted rookies Jay Higgins IV and Chandler Martin are right behind them. Cornerbacks Jalyn Armour-Davis and T.J. Tampa Jr. look more than capable of filling in when called upon. Outside linebackers David Ojabo and Malik Hamm made splash plays to continue a competitive battle at pass rusher. Even an expected starter like weak-side linebacker Trenton Simpson looks ready to make a Year 3 leap. And how about Tyler Loop? If there were any lingering doubts about the rookie kicker being ready to step into the spotlight, he put those to rest with a 52-yard bomb to end the first half and an impressive 61-yarder in the fourth quarter. The sixth-round pick has missed just two of his 11 attempts this preseason (from 46 and 50 yards) while showing off his powerful leg throughout training camp. More than anything, the Ravens ended the preseason close to fully healthy. While it would have been nice to see some of the starters shake off some rust, the risk is almost never worth it. The roster looks as good as one can hope for entering a season with Super Bowl expectations. Have a news tip? Contact sports editor C.J. Doon at cdoon@baltsun.com, 410-332-6200 and x.com/CJDoon. Baltimore Ravens kicker Tyler Loop celebrates after making a 61-yard field goal as guard Jared Penning (63) watches during the second half of a preseason NFL football game against the Washington Commanders Saturday, Aug. 23, 2025, in Landover, Md. (AP Photo/Stephanie Scarbrough)Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels, right, and Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson talk following a preseason NFL football game Saturday, Aug. 23, 2025, in Landover, Md. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)Washington Commanders quarterback Josh Johnson (14) throws under pressure from Baltimore Ravens outside linebacker Malik Hamm during the second half of a preseason NFL football game Saturday, Aug. 23, 2025, in Landover, Md. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Zay Flowers watches from the sidelines during the second half of a preseason NFL football game against the Washington Commanders Saturday, Aug. 23, 2025, in Landover, Md. (AP Photo/Stephanie Scarbrough)Baltimore Ravens head coach John Harbaugh watches from the sidelines during the first half of a preseason NFL football game against the Washington Commanders Saturday, Aug. 23, 2025, in Landover, Md. (AP Photo/Stephanie Scarbrough)Baltimore Ravens running back Rasheen Ali (26) scores a touchdown during an NFL football game against the Washington Commanders, Saturday, Aug. 23, 2025, in Landover. (AP Photo/Daniel Kucin Jr.)Commanders quarterback Sam Hartman fumbles while being hit by Ravens linebacker Trenton Simpson during Saturday's preseason finale in Landover. (AP Photo/Daniel Kucin Jr.)Baltimore Ravens cornerback Jalyn Armour-Davis (5) celebrates with his teammates during an NFL football game against the Washington Commanders, Saturday, Aug. 23, 2025, in Landover. (AP Photo/Daniel Kucin Jr.)Baltimore Ravens cornerback Keyon Martin (38) celebrates after intercepting a pass and running it back for a touchdown during the first half of a preseason NFL football game against the Washington Commanders Saturday, Aug. 23, 2025, in Landover, Md. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)Washington Commanders quarterback Sam Hartman (15) is sacked by Baltimore Ravens inside linebacker Trenton Simpson (32) and inside linebacker Teddye Buchanan (40) as defensive lineman Aeneas Peebles (93) gets in on the play during the first half of a preseason NFL football game Saturday, Aug. 23, 2025, in Landover, Md. (AP Photo/Stephanie Scarbrough)Baltimore Ravens quarterback Devin Leary (13) throws over Washington Commanders safety Daryl Worley (29) during the first half of a preseason NFL football game Saturday, Aug. 23, 2025, in Landover, Md. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson watches from the sidelines during the first half of a preseason NFL football game against the Washington Commanders Saturday, Aug. 23, 2025, in Landover, Md. (AP Photo/Stephanie Scarbrough)Baltimore Ravens running back D'Ernest Johnson (30) celebrates after scoring during the first half of a preseason NFL football game against the Washington Commanders Saturday, Aug. 23, 2025, in Landover, Md. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)Washington Commanders wide receiver Chris Moore is unable to catch a pass as Baltimore Ravens cornerback T.J. Tampa Jr. (27) defends during the first half of a preseason NFL football game Saturday, Aug. 23, 2025, in Landover, Md. (AP Photo/Stephanie Scarbrough)Baltimore Ravens head coach John Harbaugh greets his team before a preseason NFL football game against the Washington Commanders Saturday, Aug. 23, 2025, in Landover, Md. (AP Photo/Stephanie Scarbrough)Baltimore Ravens running back Rasheen Ali (26) is congratulated by teammates after scoring on a touchdown run during the first half of a preseason NFL football game against the Washington Commanders Saturday, Aug. 23, 2025, in Landover, Md. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)Show Caption1 of 16Baltimore Ravens kicker Tyler Loop celebrates after making a 61-yard field goal as guard Jared Penning (63) watches during the second half of a preseason NFL football game against the Washington Commanders Saturday, Aug. 23, 2025, in Landover, Md. (AP Photo/Stephanie Scarbrough)Expand View the full article

Ravens defensive coordinator Zach Orr has an appreciation for what it takes to beat the odds of not having his name called during the NFL draft and still making it in the league. Undrafted out of North Texas in 2014, he signed with Baltimore, racked up four tackles (including one for a loss) and a quarterback hit in the preseason opener against the San Francisco 49ers and went on to make the 53-man roster. He finished the season second on the team with seven special teams tackles and two years later won the job as the starting weak-side linebacker. Orr was also part of a unique group. In 20 of the past 21 years, an undrafted player has made the Ravens’ roster. That number figures to grow this year, with a handful of undrafted rookies pushing to add their name to the list. Saturday’s preseason finale against the Commanders at Northwest Stadium will therefore mark the last, best opportunity for those on the bubble of a roster loaded with talent and with few openings to make their case. “If you can be consistent, it’s going to equal production,” Orr said earlier this week. “It is really cool to see a lot of guys taking the consistent efforts they’ve put in practice [and] carrying it over to the games. Now they’ve started to make a name for themselves and put themselves in a really good position. So this week and then on Saturday [during] the game, [if] they keep that going, [there are] going to be a lot of guys that are going to make our team or make somebody else’s possibly.” With that in mind, here are the six Ravens with the most at stake with roster cuts coming Tuesday: Safety Beau Brade One of Baltimore’s undrafted rookie free agents who seems destined to make the team is safety and training camp darling Reuben Lowery, who has been around the ball all summer. If he does, he would join Kyle Hamilton, first-round rookie Malaki Starks and Sanoussi Kane. This is where roster dynamics and special teams could come into play. If Baltimore decides to go with five safeties, Brade, who has special teams experience, will be on the team. If there’s a desire to add to other positions, though, the former River Hill and University of Maryland standout is in jeopardy. The Ravens' Beau Brade gestures toward fellow safety Sanoussi Kane during practice. Both are competing for a spot on the roster. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff) Linebacker Jay Higgins IV If Lowery has been the most talked about undrafted rookie free agent, Higgins is a close second. In the Ravens’ first preseason game against the Colts, the former All-American out of Iowa made a leaping interception in the fourth quarter, then added a pass deflection. Last week against the Cowboys, he led the team with six tackles and strip-sacked quarterback Will Grier, resulting in a turnover. With inside linebacker Roquan Smith, Trenton Simpson, Jake Hummel and fourth-round rookie Teddye Buchanan all expected to make the team, the question then becomes, does Baltimore decide to keep a fifth inside linebacker? It seems unlikely, but it also could be hard to stash Higgins on the practice squad given all the attention he’s gotten. Linebacker Chandler Martin See above. The Ravens aren’t keeping both Higgins and Martin on the roster, so only one of them has a chance to break through. Higgins figures to have the advantage, but Martin has impressed coaches. “I think he and Jay have both done a really good job,” coach John Harbaugh said. “They’ve learned the defense well and played well and have done well on special teams, so I am very happy. [Martin] is in the mix. He’s one of those guys in the mix, for sure.” Cornerback Keyon Martin Similar to Chandler Martin, Keyon Martin has perhaps been a bit overshadowed by his fellow defensive backfield mate, Lowery. The Ravens also like to have a lot of cornerbacks. Given the injury histories of Jaire Alexander and Chidobe Awuzie, neither of whom has practiced of late, perhaps they will be inclined to keep as many as seven on the roster with Marlon Humphrey, Nate Wiggins, Alexander, Awuzie, T.J. Tampa Jr. and Jalyn Armour-Davis all expected to be on the team. If they add another, Keyon Martin, who made a splash play with a sack on Dallas quarterback Joe Milton III for a safety last week, figures to be next in line. Another strong game this week could make it difficult for the Ravens to get the undrafted free agent to the practice squad. Related Articles Ravens stock report: Who’s trending up, down as training camp concludes? Ravens first-year coach is ‘amazing instructor’ who came highly recommended Ravens QB Lamar Jackson misses practice after injury scare: ‘He’s good’ Ravens observations: Undrafted rookie from Army might be future at fullback Ravens QB Lamar Jackson exits practice, but team says he’s ‘fine’ Defensive lineman C.J. Okoye At 6 feet 6 and 370 pounds, Okoye, the Nigerian-born lineman who didn’t even play college football, is a tantalizing prospect. Though he’s unlikely to make the roster with Nnamdi Madubuike, Travis Jones, Broderick Washington, John Jenkins and rookie Aeneas Peebles all ahead of him in the pecking order, he certainly has a shot at the practice squad. Even then, though, there is competition with veteran Brent Urban and C.J. Ravenell. One thing that could help, though, is the one international designation teams are allowed, which would bump the Ravens’ practice squad from 16 to 17 players. Running back Rasheen Ali Harbaugh said earlier in training camp that his plan was to keep four running backs. If that holds, Ali will be the fourth back behind Derrick Henry, Justice Hill and Keaton Mitchell. But it’s also possible that the coach will be more interested in adding to another position with more need. Ali has looked good at times on kick returns, but will that be enough to chew up a roster spot? A strong performance against the Commanders could also land the 2024 fifth-round pick a job on another team’s 53-man roster. Have a news tip? Contact Brian Wacker at bwacker@baltsun.com, 410-332-6200 and x.com/brianwacker1. View the full article

The Ravens held the last of their 21 fully open training camp practices Thursday in Owings Mills. They’ll play their preseason finale Saturday against the Commanders at Northwest Stadium, then shift into regular-season mode. Next week, only the first 20 or so minutes of Baltimore’s three practices will be open to the media, the roster will be trimmed to 53 players on Tuesday and the final practice will be held Wednesday before players break until Sept. 1 and the first full week of the regular season. Here’s a look at whose stock has risen and fallen over the past week as the Ravens get set to play their final preseason game and turn toward games that count: Brian Wacker, reporter Stock up: WR Rashod Bateman. If there was a consistent standout through training camp, it was fifth-year wide receiver Rashod Bateman. There was nary a week that went by when he didn’t do something impressive. On Tuesday, he took an end around with tight end Mark Andrews leading the way and raced for a big gain. Later in the same practice, he easily got by cornerback Nate Wiggins and hauled in a pass on an in route. Even when quarterback Lamar Jackson wasn’t throwing to him, he stood out. That includes Thursday when, during a red zone 7-on-7 period, he shielded cornerback Jalyn Armour-Davis before making a fingertip grab and getting both feet down in bounds on a pass from third-stringer Devin Leary. Bateman also had a smooth one-handed catch during a full-team period later in the same practice. Stock down: QB Cooper Rush. After throwing a pair of interceptions against the Cowboys last week — only one of which was the quarterback’s fault — the trend continued this week. On Monday, Rush was intercepted on a pass intended for receiver Malik Cunningham when safety Beau Brade jumped the hitch route and snagged the ball. A day later, Rush was again looking for Cunningham when he instead threw the ball directly to rookie outside linebacker Mike Green, who had dropped into coverage. And on Wednesday, Rush almost had another pass picked off when it was tipped at the line of scrimmage. Finally, he threw two more interceptions to wrap up the week Thursday, with the first coming on a nice play by undrafted rookie defensive back Reuben Lowery and the second a gift to undrafted rookie linebacker Chandler Martin. Some of the interceptions could be chalked up to a Ravens defense that has been intentional about being more aggressive, while others were more egregious. Still, it wasn’t a great final week of training camp for the backup quarterback. Related Articles The 6 Ravens with most at stake in preseason finale vs. Commanders Ravens first-year coach is ‘amazing instructor’ who came highly recommended Ravens QB Lamar Jackson misses practice after injury scare: ‘He’s good’ Ravens observations: Undrafted rookie from Army might be future at fullback Ravens QB Lamar Jackson exits practice, but team says he’s ‘fine’ Mike Preston, columnist Stock up: LB Jay Higgins IV. The undrafted rookie free agent from Iowa has a nose for the ball, regardless if it’s a run or pass. He seems to play with a lot of natural instincts. In pass defense, he gets really good drops and he can fill holes on running plays. It will be hard for the Ravens to keep him off either the 53-man roster or 16-man practice squad. He’ll be good on special teams with the ability to sniff out the ball. Stock down: WR LaJohntay Wester. The rookie sixth-round pick has been in a funk ever since the second preseason game against Dallas. In that contest, his route running was poor and he didn’t show enough as far as going back and fighting for the ball. His effort carried over earlier in the week when it appeared as though he was going through the motions again. He might make the team as a punt returner, but he has to show more promise as a receiver. Josh Tolentino, columnist Stock up: LB Jay Higgins IV. With less than a week until the NFL’s roster cut down deadline Tuesday, the undrafted linebacker out of Iowa has emerged as a legitimate 53-man roster contender. Higgins’ blend of instincts and playmaking continue to flash in practice and preseason games. He’s recorded key takeaways in each of Baltimore’s exhibitions so far, including a strip-sack of Cowboys backup quarterback Will Grier. He also led the team with six tackles in last week’s victory over Dallas. The Ravens have several undrafted rookies who’ve made their case this summer, and Higgins might be near the top of the list. Defensive coordinator Zach Orr offered his glowing review of Higgins on Thursday: “He’s really instinctive and has a high football IQ,” Orr said. “A lot of linebackers got moved to linebacker late in college. He’s been a linebacker basically his whole life. He understands how to read linemen, read pulls, understands zone drops, man drops and spacing in coverage. That’s underrated for the linebacker position.” Baltimore currently has three inside linebackers cemented atop the depth chart: Roquan Smith, Trenton Simpson and fourth-round draft pick Teddye Buchanan. If the Ravens opt to keep just four players at the position, Higgins might need to beat out special teams ace Jake Hummel. Stock down: OL Emery Jones Jr. Coach John Harbaugh revealed earlier in the week that Jones will not be ready for the start of the regular season. Since the Ravens took him with their third-highest selection in this year’s draft (Round 3, pick No. 91), Jones has yet to practice because of offseason shoulder surgery. Consider this as a step in the wrong direction after Harbaugh previously said that he expected Jones to return during training camp. Ahead of next week’s roster deadline, Jones, listed as a 6-foot-5, 320-pound offensive tackle, will remain on the non-football injury list, which will allow the Ravens to allocate his spot on the 53-man roster to another player until team doctors provide full clearance for his return. Jones, a two-time All-SEC selection at LSU, also will be forced to miss the team’s first four regular-season games against Buffalo, Cleveland, Detroit and Kansas City. Given his expected late return to the field, it’s difficult imagining Jones making any type of significant contribution during his shortened rookie season. Ravens cornerback T.J. Tampa Jr., shown in June, stood out recently in his push for playing time in a talented secondary. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff) Sam Cohn, reporter Stock down: CB T.J. Tampa Jr. Tampa did something no Ravens defender has done all training camp: intercept three passes in two days. The second-year cornerback hasn’t had an especially flashy summer. After a rookie year marred by injury, he invested time and money into his body to arrive back in Owings Mills for a prove-it August that might land him a tangible role. It’s tough to stand out among such a talented secondary that starts five former first-round picks. But Tampa’s takeaways, all on throws from backup quarterback Cooper Rush over two Jackson-less practices, marks his best stretch. It’s an ever-depleted position group. Maybe this helps nudge his way into more first-team reps. Stock down: RB Keaton Mitchell. He was one of the offense’s first breakout players with an electrifying performance in the preseason opener after missing most of last season in the climb back from ACL surgery. Then he suffered a hamstring injury in that game that lingered through all of last week. This week, he has steadily worked back into full speed reps. But we haven’t seen any dazzling cuts in nearly two weeks, raising an eyebrow about the 23-year-old’s ability to stay healthy. It has been deemed a nonserious injury. Harbaugh said there’s a chance that Mitchell plays against Washington. If not, “he’ll be fine for the opener.” After that win in Dallas, Harbaugh also said that the team’s current plan was to take four running backs, implying Rasheen Ali could slip into the 53-man roster, presumably for sake of injury insurance in the backfield (if not to dangle Ali as a trade chip). We got a sneak peek at full-form Mitchell. We haven’t seen that since. Have a news tip? Contact sports editor C.J. Doon at cdoon@baltsun.com, 410-332-6200 and x.com/CJDoon. View the full article

Tyler Santucci was in Northern Virginia on a home recruiting visit when his phone rang. Unless the caller ID reads “Spam Risk,” he’ll usually pick up. This unknown number happened to be Ravens coach John Harbaugh calling with a job offer. “I did not anticipate it, not one bit” said the first-year Ravens linebackers coach who was officially hired by Baltimore in early February. Santucci called his wife, Arielle, after he and Harbaugh hung up the phone. He pulled over to the side of the road so they could share a few proud tears. Santucci has had a winding ascendence here to his first NFL coaching gig, which has “been a long dream of mine to work with the best in the world.” Harbaugh said Santucci, 37, came “highly recommended.” That’s a credit to the young assistant’s coaching style and relationship building that yielded immediate success over several stops at the college level. Most recently, as Georgia Tech’s defensive coordinator and linebackers coach in 2024, Santucci flipped the Yellow Jackets from the ocean floor of the Atlantic Coast Conference to one of the best in show. They went worst (437.1) to fourth (342.8) in the league in average yards allowed per game and took a huge jump in average rushing yards allowed (221.3 to 122.2) en route to the program’s first Associated Press Top 25 ranking in nearly a decade. In the same position at Duke in 2023, Santucci called plays for the 16th-best scoring defense (19.0 points allowed per game) in the country. That earned him a nomination for the Broyles Award, given annually to college football’s top assistant coach. Santucci wasn’t clear if there was one connection that led him to Baltimore. He guessed maybe Dave Clawson, who met Santucci at Wake Forest and has a good relationship with Harbaugh. Or Mike Elko, the former coach at Wake Forest and Duke who later took over Texas A&M. Santucci reportedly turned down several coaching opportunities at power conference programs this offseason before Harbaugh called. Baltimore brings Santucci as close to home as he’s been since he started coaching football — even if home is due north of his new division rival Pittsburgh. Harland Bower, the defensive ends coach at Duke who has known Santucci since their shared layover at Notre Dame in 2017, has had conversations over the years about his goal of reaching the NFL. Bower always saw those qualifications in how Santucci went about his business. “From the time that I’ve known him,” Bower told The Baltimore Sun, “he’s always been an elite level, smart, cerebral football coach. I think he’s grown into being able to — some guys are really smart and they can’t get what they know into their players’ heads — I think I’ve seen him grow in that aspect.” Related Articles Ravens QB Lamar Jackson misses practice after injury scare: ‘He’s good’ Ravens observations: Undrafted rookie from Army might be future at fullback Ravens QB Lamar Jackson exits practice, but team says he’s ‘fine’ Inside Ravens LT Ronnie Stanley’s renaissance: Pilates, acupuncture, MMA Mike Preston: This Ravens DL learned the game through social media | COMMENTARY Santucci had a moment like that this summer with Trenton Simpson, the 23-year-old who was benched in Week 13 last year and is now being counted on as the projected starter at weak-side linebacker. “There was a little bit of an ‘ah-ha’ moment in the spring,” Santucci said. “It was the smallest thing.” He pointed out an adjustment in Simpson’s presnap stance. “Oh, I feel it,” Simpson told him. What’s impressed Santucci the most about Simpson, who enters Year 3 with a fire lit under his backside, is that everything that has come up in meeting rooms, the former Clemson star is taking to the practice field. Bower recently took a recruiting trip to Maryland and made time to visit Santucci. They talked a lot about the difference between college and the NFL, the most obvious discrepancy being the professionalism with which his players show up to the facility and get their work done. There will be plenty of eyeballs on Santucci’s first group, which collectively had a down year in 2024 and will be crucial to Baltimore’s Super Bowl aspirations. The centerpiece of the Ravens’ defense, All-Pro linebacker Roquan Smith, has been a sounding board for Santucci. As the rookie coach gets acclimated to the language of a Zach Orr defense, he’ll sometimes check with 28-year-old veteran before a meeting to say, “Hey, this is how I want to teach this. Does this make sense to you?” “I think he’s a really good teacher,” Smith said, “able to break things down for the guys and in the simplest terms and have your guys and technique, as well. That’s a big thing of his.” Tyler Santucci has been described as a "really good teacher" and "amazing instructor" by his players. (Kim Hairston/Staff) According to Smith, Teddye Buchanan has been one of the biggest beneficiaries in that regard. The rookie of the pack has already garnered enough trust that Santucci has Buchanan repping both inside linebacker positions, something only a couple guys in that room do. “‘Coach Tucc’ is an amazing instructor, amazing man,” said Buchanan, a fourth-round draft pick. “I know it’s his rookie year in the NFL as well, so getting to go through that together has been a really cool experience. I’ve learned a ton from him in a really short time.” Harbaugh said earlier this week that oftentimes players take on the personality of their positional coaches. They spend so much time together that they all start to act alike. By that logic, what’s to be expected from the inside linebackers? “Gritty. Tough. Pittsburgh,” Bower laughed. “I know fans don’t want to hear Pittsburgh, but that’s where he’s from. But he’s hard-nosed. He’s [got] energy. When he stands in front of a room and he speaks to them, everybody’s eyes are locked in and the energy that he brings has a gravitational force. “He’s juiced up and that’s fun to be around.” Have a news tip? Contact Sam Cohn at scohn@baltsun.com, 410-332-6200 and x.com/samdcohn. View the full article

A day after Lamar Jackson left Ravens practice early with an apparent injury, the star quarterback was absent from Thursday’s session in Owings Mills. Coach John Harbaugh said that Jackson got his foot stepped on Wednesday, but that an X-ray revealed no damage. “I’m sure it’s a little sore today, so we just kept him in,” Harbaugh said. “But he’s fine, he’s good.” Harbaugh said that he was relieved that Jackson avoided a major injury. “I was praying, and God came through,” he said. Jackson was not the only notable player missing from the final open practice of the week before Saturday’s preseason finale at Washington. Tight end Mark Andrews, wide receiver Zay Flowers, cornerback Chidobe Awuzie and fullback Pat Ricard were also absent. Cornerback Jaire Alexander also did not practice, though he did do some running on a side field. Ricard has a “soft-tissue thing” and should be back next week, Harbaugh said. None of them were expected to play against the Commanders. As for Jackson, it is not immediately clear when he will be back. The two-time NFL Most Valuable Player was knocked down on a passing play during a full-team period against the scout team defense Wednesday and was helped up by left tackle Ronnie Stanley. Jackson stayed in for two more plays, but looked to be flexing his wrist or throwing arm. He then left the field with strength and conditioning coordinator Scott Elliott, though a team spokesperson said after practice that Jackson’s foot was stepped on and that the 28-year-old is “fine.” The Ravens open the season Sept. 7 in a divisional round playoff rematch against the host Buffalo Bills. Jackson has not missed a game because of injury since he suffered a knee injury in 2022. This article will be updated. Have a news tip? Contact Brian Wacker at bwacker@baltsun.com, 410-332-6200 and x.com/brianwacker1. Related Articles Ravens observations: Undrafted rookie from Army might be future at fullback Ravens QB Lamar Jackson exits practice, but team says he’s ‘fine’ Inside Ravens LT Ronnie Stanley’s renaissance: Pilates, acupuncture, MMA Mike Preston: This Ravens DL learned the game through social media | COMMENTARY Ravens rookie nicknamed ‘Fub’ could take ‘hungry’ defensive line to another level View the full article

It’s been clearly noticeable within the past week of training camp, but the Ravens are having fewer false starts and presnap penalties. It was only a matter of time before the team became less penalized because the only thing a team can do is stay on pace with the cadence. “You can’t consider yourself an elite offense if you can’t change the cadence,” offensive coordinator Todd Monken said. Most of the penalties occurred early in training camp when the defense is usually way ahead of the offense. However, a potential injury to Lamar Jackson on Wednesday could throw off the timing if the star quarterback is forced to miss any practice time ahead of the Sept. 7 season opener against the Buffalo Bills. Fullback in waiting? The Ravens have the best fullback in the NFL in ninth-year player Patrick Ricard, the 6-foot-3, 300-pound former undrafted free agent from Maine. The Ravens have their fullback in waiting in Lucas Scott, a 6-3, 290-pound undrafted rookie from Army. And of course, Monken got a good and encouraging report on Scott from Black Knights coach Jeff Monken. “He has been great, just like my cousin said,” Todd Monken said. “He has been physical and picked up things in the backfield.” The Ravens might be able to stash Scott, a former offensive lineman, on the 16-player practice squad, but it’s hard to hide a player when there is a lot of film available, especially if that team has a good, strong running back. Injuries and attendance Despite recent injuries, the Ravens only had two players working on the far field away from the practices and scrimmages. Both were in full gear as wide receiver Dayton Wade, a second-year player out of Mississippi, ran some zig-zag sprints the length of the field and outside linebacker Kyle Van Noy ran hills. Related Articles Ravens QB Lamar Jackson exits practice, but team says he’s ‘fine’ Inside Ravens LT Ronnie Stanley’s renaissance: Pilates, acupuncture, MMA Mike Preston: This Ravens DL learned the game through social media | COMMENTARY Ravens rookie nicknamed ‘Fub’ could take ‘hungry’ defensive line to another level Ravens observations: Tavius Robinson gets a lesson from another No. 95 O-line intrigue One of the best things you notice about rookie center Corey Bullock is the way that he controls the offense on the field. During Saturday’s preseason game against Dallas, Bullock was in the face of the officials when the Ravens were in a hurry-up offense. The former Maryland lineman always seems in control when calling out and designating blocking assignments. It’s hard to see how he doesn’t make this team backing up starting center Tyler Linderbaum. Practice standouts Rookie receiver LaJohntay Wester made a strong catch while going up against three defenders for a 35-yard reception. In the immediate area were cornerbacks T.J. Tampa Jr. and Keyon Martin. Tampa, though, had a strong practice with two interceptions, including one he dove for when a pass by backup quarterback Cooper Rush was tipped at the line of scrimmage. That’ll leave a mark The best contact of the day belonged to cornerback Jalyn Armour-Davis and rookie safety Malaki Starks, who banged around receiver Anthony Miller after a short pass of about 5 yards. It was supposed to be light contact, but Armour-Davis and Starks knocked Miller around like a pinball. It was good that the referees blew a quick whistle. Miller, though, had a good practice, hauling in a long pass down the left sideline while beating Armour-Davis for about a 35-yard gain. Have a news tip? Contact Mike Preston at epreston@baltsun.com, 410-332-6467 and x.com/MikePrestonSun. View the full article

The Ravens suffered a scare Wednesday afternoon when quarterback Lamar Jackson left practice with an apparent injury a little more than halfway through the two-hour session. Jackson was knocked down on a passing play during a full-team period against the scout team defense, was helped up by left tackle Ronnie Stanley and stayed in for a few more plays, but appeared to be flexing his wrist or throwing arm. He then left the field with strength and conditioning coordinator Scott Elliott at 2:25 p.m. A team spokesperson said after practice that Jackson’s foot was stepped on and that the two-time NFL Most Valuable Player is “fine.” Coach John Harbaugh was not available to reporters. Offensive coordinator Todd Monken said that he did not see what happened. Wide receiver Tylan Wallace, who also met with reporters after practice, said that he did not see what happened to Jackson either but added, “I was thinking he’s just probably resting his arm. … Obviously keep him in our prayers and everything, hope he’s doing great … but I’m sure Lamar being Lamar, he’ll be back sooner before we know it.” Before leaving, Jackson, who is entering his eighth season and coming off career highs in touchdown passes (41) and passing yards (4,172), had been having an up-and-down day, including missing on several short throws. He completed a long pass to rookie LaJohntay Wester after being knocked down, but his final pass of the day, to running back Keaton Mitchell in the flat, was well off target. Jackson has missed only one training camp practice, on Aug. 4 for pre-planned personal reasons. He has not played in the preseason since 2021, and Harbaugh said earlier this week he will not play in Baltimore’s preseason finale Saturday at the Washington Commanders. The Ravens have one more open practice scheduled for this week before Friday’s walk-through, followed by three more practices next week beginning on Monday. Baltimore opens its season Sept. 7 in a divisional round playoff rematch against the host Buffalo Bills. Jackson has not missed a game because of injury since he suffered a knee injury in 2022 during a Week 13 game against the Denver Broncos. The injury kept him out for the remainder of the regular season as well as the Ravens’ wild-card game against the host Cincinnati Bengals. Have a news tip? Contact Brian Wacker at bwacker@baltsun.com, 410-332-6200 and x.com/brianwacker1. Related Articles Ravens observations: Undrafted rookie from Army might be future at fullback Inside Ravens LT Ronnie Stanley’s renaissance: Pilates, acupuncture, MMA Mike Preston: This Ravens DL learned the game through social media | COMMENTARY Ravens rookie nicknamed ‘Fub’ could take ‘hungry’ defensive line to another level Ravens observations: Tavius Robinson gets a lesson from another No. 95 View the full article

The sound of losing, it’s usually silent. Inside the visiting locker room at Highmark Stadium in Orchard Park, New York, this past January, though, frustration echoed thunderously through the cramped and dated space for one Ravens player in particular. While most solemnly dressed and quietly exited, left tackle Ronnie Stanley was still angry. So, as another painful playoff loss soaked in, this one by two points to the Buffalo Bills in the divisional round, he vented to quarterback Lamar Jackson about Baltimore overcomplicating things during the game one minute and not being able to get out of its own way the next. “That loss hurt as bad as any, yeah,” he told The Baltimore Sun in a recent interview. “To keep adding another one, it’s like again? You keep getting so close. In that moment, you’re just shattered. Having all these past instances doesn’t make it easier; it makes it harder.” That was only part of the motivation behind Stanley’s decision to eschew a likely more lucrative free agent offer from another team this past offseason and return for a 10th season with the Ravens, making him the longest-tenured player on the roster. Yes, the blindside protector of Baltimore’s $260 million face of the franchise considered exploring the riches of the open market, he told The Sun, and there was outside interest from at least a few teams, including the New England Patriots and Washington Commanders. The three-year, $60 million extension he signed in March was, well, also close enough. But he was acutely aware of what he has in staying with the organization that drafted him sixth overall out of Notre Dame in 2016 in terms of comfort and a talent-rich environment. There is “unfinished business” in the 2019 All-Pro’s eyes as well, and the 31-year-old appears to be having a late-career renaissance after a bounce-back 2024 in which he was selected to the Pro Bowl following years of injury-marred seasons, questions about his commitment and, in 2023, being rotated in and out of the lineup down the stretch of the season because of his poor play. “That was part of it,” he continued. “Also, the connection I have with my teammates, this city and this organization. I do have a ton of belief in our team and in our players, our whole organization. “We should be winning championships. That’s the standard that we have and we’ve come up short to that standard, but I still believe in us because I know how we work and what type of players we have.” The work Stanley put in during the offseason has continued through training camp. It’s notable. So far this summer, he hasn’t missed a practice — an anomaly for a player of his experience, age and what was once a proclivity for his share of veteran days off. Now, on almost any day after practice, he also stays on the field to spend extra time with younger, less experienced linemen, polishing their technique and working on communication, something he started doing midway through last season and said that he used to do in college. “I think it’s really good at the end of practice when your legs are really tired to get a couple technique-focused drills in,” Stanley said. “Being able to do it in a slow, controlled environment while you’re already that fatigued, it’s a good opportunity. You really can’t get it unless you’re that tired, so after practice is the perfect place.” Related Articles Mike Preston: This Ravens DL learned the game through social media | COMMENTARY Ravens rookie nicknamed ‘Fub’ could take ‘hungry’ defensive line to another level Ravens observations: Tavius Robinson gets a lesson from another No. 95 Ravens’ events partner at M&T Bank Stadium to offer access to new spaces How a 2 1/2-hour dinner led to Tyler Loop becoming Ravens’ kicker For an offensive line with three players (left guard Andrew Vorhees, right guard Daniel Faalele and right tackle Roger Rosengarten) with less than two years of NFL experience at their respective positions and an average age of just under 25, the sessions are invaluable as they are impactful. “He’s a tremendous player and an even better dude,” Vorhees said. “You guys don’t get the opportunity to spend as much time as we do, but Ronnie is an awesome dude. When you get the opportunity to play next to an All-Pro player, kind of makes your life a little easier at times.” Added Rosengarten: “Every piece of information I can get from him, I’ll take it.” Said general manager Eric DeCosta after re-signing Stanley: “He’s really grown into being one of the leaders of our team, and just looking out at the draft and free agency, we just didn’t really see a lot of guys that we felt were better than him.” Last season offered plenty of proof. Stanley allowed just two sacks, per Pro Football Focus. He also had a pass-block win rate — how often a lineman can sustain their blocks for 2.5 seconds or longer — of 92%, ranking him 11th among offensive tackles, per ESPN analytics. Few players on the Ravens’ historic offense mattered more. It wasn’t perfect, though. “We should be winning championships," Ravens left tackle Ronnie Stanley said. "That’s the standard that we have and we’ve come up short to that standard, but I still believe in us because I know how we work and what type of players we have.” (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff) Communication issues and penalties plagued Baltimore’s offensive line. In all, the Ravens’ O-line was flagged 45 times during the regular season, per nflpenalties.com, more than any other group on the team. Stanley was the biggest culprit, with 13 penalties (though three of those were part of a crackdown for illegal formation in the first game of the season against the Kansas City Chiefs). Part of the problem, Stanley said, was all the moving parts within the group, particularly early in the year, with three new starters up front. This year, that group returns intact, with Pro Bowl center Tyler Linderbaum, 25, the next most experienced player after Stanley. Though penalties have reared their head at times during training camp, Stanley insists that things are more “stable” now and the unit is now “operating on a pretty high level at this point.” Time will tell. But it helps that Stanley came into training camp healthy this year for just the second time since 2019. To do so, he completely retooled his highly regimented routine, both during the offseason and within the plush confines of the Ravens’ training facility. “This year and last year my whole lifestyle revolved around my body,” he said. Stanley, who spends much of his offseason in Los Angeles, doled out for all sorts of bodywork, including extra gym sessions, pilates, acupuncture, sauna and cold tub treatments, swimming, foam rolling and a pair of Normatec boots, a type of pneumatic compression device used for recovery and rehabilitation that apply dynamic air pressure to the legs to promote circulation, reduce muscle soreness and aid in the removal of lactic acid. He also for the first time took part in a mixed martial arts program at Unbreakable, a gym in Hollywood, California, run by Fox Sports’ Jay Glazer. In doing so, Stanley said that he was able to get better at different techniques while focusing on certain muscle groups that are integral to blocking. And throughout training camp, his routine has included daily sauna, ice, stretching and foam rolling, followed by those Normatec sessions every night. “That helps me set up for a better next day instead of going home and waking up super sore,” he said. Most importantly, he believes that all of it will help keep him on the field and playing his best when the stakes are at their highest. “It’s just about sharpening up those little details, playing how you already play in those moments,” he said. “You don’t have to do anything more or anything else.” Have a news tip? Contact Brian Wacker at bwacker@baltsun.com, 410-332-6200 and x.com/brianwacker1. To stay healthy, Ronnie Stanley's routine has included daily sauna, ice, stretching and foam rolling. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff) View the full article

As C.J. Okoye was about to be interviewed, a couple of his teammates talked about him becoming the next “Nigerian Nightmare.” But Okoye is close to fulfilling an American dream. He probably won’t make the Ravens’ initial 53-man roster, which will be set next Tuesday, but the team will probably put him on the 16-player practice squad for the 2025 season as he attempts to become one of the top run stoppers in the NFL. With size there is always potential, and Okoye (pronounced ah-KOY-ay) is 6 feet 6 and weighs 370 pounds. The 23-year-old is perhaps the biggest player on the roster, bigger than 341-pound nose guard Travis Jones and offensive guard Ben Cleveland, who weighs only a measly 355. Right guard Daniel Faalele, who has lost about about 20 pounds this offseason from his listed 6-8, 370-pound frame, is the only one who comes close. Okoye could have as strong a presence for the Ravens’ defense as other former star tackles such as Sam Adams, Haloti Ngata and the late Tony Siragusa. But that probably won’t happen this season. Despite his incredible size, Okoye is still a project because he never played college football. He might be a year or two away, but he is like a fast-moving train: He’s coming. “He’s really learning,” Ravens coach John Harbaugh said. “He is making good use of all that size, and he has come light-years.” Okoye is already a success story. A lot of players dream of playing in the NFL and don’t make it despite successful high school and college careers. Okoye was born in Agbogugu, Nigeria, and played mostly basketball and soccer while growing up. At one time, he hoped to earn a college scholarship to play basketball. He played center in the Nigerian big leagues until he was noticed and scouted by Ejike Ugboaja, a 2006 draft pick of the Cleveland Cavaliers. Ugboaja and a friend of Okoye’s suggested that he should try out for the UpRise football camp hosted by Osi Umenyiora, a former NFL player and two-time Super Bowl champion as a defensive end with the New York Giants. Okoye reportedly struggled at the camp, but Umenyiora thought that he did well enough to take a shot on him and invited Okoye to the 2022 NFL African camp in Ghana. Related Articles Inside Ravens LT Ronnie Stanley’s renaissance: Pilates, acupuncture, MMA Ravens rookie nicknamed ‘Fub’ could take ‘hungry’ defensive line to another level Ravens observations: Tavius Robinson gets a lesson from another No. 95 Ravens’ events partner at M&T Bank Stadium to offer access to new spaces How a 2 1/2-hour dinner led to Tyler Loop becoming Ravens’ kicker Okoye eventually went through two more camps before being one of 13 players selected to the NFL’s International Pathway Program in 2023 and trained at the IMG Academy in Florida. After that, he was one of eight players to be allocated to a team, and he signed with the Los Angeles Chargers in May 2023. He was waived in August that year, but later re-signed with the practice squad. He spent another season on the Chargers’ practice squad before he signed a reserve/future contract with the Ravens in January. “He is more of a nose guard, probably,” Harbaugh said. “I think he could play three-technique a little bit, or he can play over the guard. You talk about a head-up, two technique [player], but he’s really more of an A-gap player, probably. He is really learning how to come out of his hips and strike and shed, stay square in there and play the run. He’s gotten some push in pass rush.” Okoye, who started as an offensive lineman before switching to the defensive side, is still young in terms of learning the game. “The truth is, I started learning from YouTube until I came out here,” a smiling Okoye said. “I didn’t know most of the things I was doing. International Pathway, that’s when I started learning. All the pass rushing stuff I learned on Instagram.” Okoye has always been big and tall, which is why he played basketball and hung around his older brother’s friends. There was something about football that jazzed him, something he swears that made him run to the sport. “I’m still learning how to play because I'm still new in this game, so I'm playing catch-up,” Ravens defensive lineman C.J. Okoye said. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff) Here in Baltimore, he has noticed the difference in the hot, humid conditions, which he says will prepare him for games but also improve his work ethic. It’s stronger with the Ravens than with the Chargers, even though John’s younger brother, Jim, is the coach in Los Angeles. “I didn’t know I was going to get signed by the Ravens, or anywhere else,” Okoye said. “I was just hoping to get a chance to play this game I love. So when my agent told me the Ravens wanted to sign me, I came running because I know they are the best organization in the league. “It’s a blessing in disguise because now I know if you can play here in this weather, you can whoop anybody’s [butt] anywhere. If you love working, there’s a place for you, and you work here. If you don’t like working, you’re going to be exposed.” It’s easy to see Okoye’s energy. He is always one of the first on the field, usually doing some extra pounding on the sled. The only player who might hit it harder is Jones, the 2022 third-round pick, but both deliver fierce, steel-rattling blows. In the Ravens’ preseason opener against Indianapolis, Okoye had three tackles and a quarterback hit. On Saturday against Dallas, he had only one tackle, but that’s not the main focus of a nose guard. They need to stay square, keep their pads down, take on double teams and not relinquish any ground in the middle. Mission accomplished. “I’m still learning how to play because I’m still new in this game, so I’m playing catch-up,” Okoye said. “I feel like I need to clear my head and learn the proper way to play the physical and mental part of the game. That’s why I talk to my coach, and he tells me what I need to improve on.” C.J. Okoye is always one of the first on the field, usually doing some extra pounding on the sled. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff) Okoye has also had to learn a new culture. He said that Nigerians never look people in the eyes and always look away. In America, it’s different, a sign of being straightforward and honest. There was also getting used to new foods. Nigerians love jollof rice, suya, egusi soup and pounded yams. Okoye has fallen in love with steak, mashed potatoes, gravy, and chicken and waffles. He also misses his family back home in Nigeria. But Okoye has plans. If the Ravens go to the Super Bowl in San Francisco, he plans on flying them to the game. But he has to make the team first. “I felt like everything was pouring out to me at once,” Okoye said. “I needed to learn how to talk to people, I needed to learn about the culture, the food, learn people’s names and how to play this game. There was a lot to listen to and make adjustments. “But if all goes well, and I pray to God that it does, I’m planning on having them come over and watch when we go to the Super Bowl. I don’t know anything about making the roster, I’m just hoping and praying to God.” Have a news tip? Contact Mike Preston at epreston@baltsun.com, 410-332-6467 and x.com/MikePrestonSun. View the full article

During a live drill session near the end of Tuesday’s practice, Aeneas “Fub” Peebles broke through the middle of the Ravens’ starting offensive line with little to no trouble. The sixth-round rookie emerged face-to-face with Lamar Jackson before slamming on the brakes, avoiding any contact with the prized quarterback on a play that would have otherwise been a surefire sack. Even Jackson felt obligated to high-five Peebles for the effort. Peebles downplayed what was his best rep of the afternoon, saying, “I guess it’s what I feel like I’m supposed to be doing.” In truth, the 289-pound interior defensive linemen standing a touch over 6 feet has outperformed the expectations placed on him as an unconventional, undersized Ravens interior defensive lineman. It has all but earned him the fifth roster spot in that room. “I think he’s a really good player. We all do,” coach John Harbaugh said. “He’s gonna be out there, so he’s gonna have to do it.” Through two preseason games, Pro Football Focus ranked Peebles as the 13th-best interior defensive lineman. That list, of course, excludes most stars and starters. Among the reserves fighting for relevance in games that matter less, Peebles jumped off the page. He’s earned a B- grade, per PFF, on 60 total snaps, the most of any Ravens at his position between games against the Colts and Cowboys. “Fub is one of the most explosive defensive linemen I’ve ever coached or evaluated on tape,” defensive line coach Dennis Johnson said. Defensive lineman Broderick Washington threw out another superlative: “Baller energy.” Pass rush coach Chuck Smith recently called Peebles, “lightning quick.” Peebles has said he didn’t realize until the predraft process that advanced scouts’ biggest knock was that, coming out of Virginia Tech, he could rush the passer but that he didn’t have the size to plug the middle in run defense. Related Articles Ravens observations: Tavius Robinson gets a lesson from another No. 95 Ravens’ events partner at M&T Bank Stadium to offer access to new spaces How a 2 1/2-hour dinner led to Tyler Loop becoming Ravens’ kicker Ravens observations: Injury updates on Emery Jones, Adisa Isaac; defense creating turnovers Ravens’ John Harbaugh on Browns naming Flacco starting QB: ‘Joe can sling it’ Baltimore takes pride in its run defense. That group ranked first in the NFL last year, allowing 1,361 yards on the ground. So when the Ravens lost in the AFC divisional round, cut up by Buffalo’s ground game, “It sucked,” the veteran Washington said. “It was bad.” Some were surprised when the Ravens — a team with a reputation of prioritizing big bodies on the defensive line — went after an undersized player on Day 3 of the draft. Not being the “typical Ravens D-lineman” built a chip on Peebles’ shoulder. “Me and him will be off talking,” Washington said, “and he’ll be like, ‘I can’t wait to show folks I can play the run. I’m more than just a pass rusher.’ And he’s chasing it. He’s in the weight room with me, [Travis Jones] and other guys trying to get stronger.” That whole group wants to arrive at Week 1 with a similar mentality. Jones spent most of 2024 hampered by a high ankle sprain that reeled him in from one of the best stretches of his career. Washington thinks “he’s gonna put it all together this year and, if he stays healthy, he’s gonna be the best nose tackle in the game.” Jones and Nnamdi Madubuike are the most competitive duo in that room. Leaning into the trenches analogy, Johnson said they’re like “brothers in arms.” He called C.J. Okoye one of the biggest surprises in camp. Jayson Jones has turned some heads, too. And Peebles is the standout who played his way onto the roster. “[Aeneas Peebles] is one of the most explosive defensive linemen I’ve ever coached or evaluated on tape,” Ravens defensive line coach Dennis Johnson said. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff)“I think we got a lot of guys that are hungry,” Washington said, “whether it’s for a job or a championship. I think we got a group that’s hungry.” Much of this stems outward from the head of the snake, which is Johnson, now entering Year 2 in Baltimore. Harbaugh described him as someone who brings high energy to the practice field, lunch, dinner, every meeting room and probably when he’s by himself, too. There’s a good mix of yelling and maniacal study to best prepare his players. Harbaugh said that on the defensive line particularly, players will reflect the personality of their coach. It’s chaotic in the trenches, and Johnson sets the tone. “I heard Fub say this the other day,” Washington said. “He was like, in the back of his head, he could hear Dennis yelling at him, telling him to run to the ball. [Johnson] is a technician, and he’s on every little detail.” Have a news tip? Contact Sam Cohn at scohn@baltsun.com, 410-332-6200 and x.com/samdcohn. View the full article

Former Ravens outside linebacker Jarret Johnson visited practice Tuesday, and of course he will always be a fan favorite after decking Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Hines Ward in a 2011 game at M&T Bank Stadium. He took Ward completely out to the enthusiasm of a packed stadium, and it was even better because Ward had cheap-shotted so many Ravens players in previous years. I can’t lie. It was pretty cool to see. With one hit, Johnson became a part of Baltimore football history. That history isn’t lost on Baltimore’s current No. 95, Tavius Robinson, who not only is wearing the same number that Johnson did for the Ravens but is intimately familiar with the the former fourth-round draft pick out of Alabama who spent nine hard-nosed seasons in Baltimore from 2003 to 2011. “I’ve watched,” Robinson, 26, said last week when asked if he’s seen tape of the old No. 95. “I’ve watched as many podcasts — as many everything that he’s been on — just trying to tap into his mental [approach] a little bit and his highlights as well, because he was a guy that maybe didn’t get all the credit that he deserved — sack-wise and pass-wise — but he was a dominant run defender, dominant physical gritty player. So yes, I’ve done a couple of deep dives on him and gone through his career here.” After Tuesday’s practice, Johnson, now 44, made his way onto the field and did some work with Robinson. The two also planned to watch tape together. “We welcome all the old players back,” coach John Harbaugh said. “The tradition, the standard that they set, of excellence is something that our guys respect and strive for. They even wanna raise the bar.” So, who’s better? “Well,” Harbaugh said. “We’re gonna find out.” Bills prep already underway As soon as the 2025 NFL schedule was announced, the Ravens probably started slowly preparing for Buffalo. The Bills host the Ravens on Sept. 7 in the regular-season opener on “Sunday Night Football” after Buffalo knocked Baltimore out of the playoffs last season, 27-25, in the divisional round. Harbaugh said that the team is focused on preparing for the preseason finale against the Washington Commanders on Saturday as well as the season opener against the Bills two weeks later. “We do want to go down there and play,” Harbaugh said of facing Washington. “Guys are fighting for jobs and for opportunities. And also, guys who we know are going to make the team will be playing in that game, too, to get themselves ready for what’s next and to gain experience. But then also, we’ll be practicing for the start of the regular season, too.” Rush takes a step back In one of the worst interceptions of training camp, backup quarterback Cooper Rush was picked off by rookie outside linebacker Mike Green with about 32 minutes remaining in the two-hour practice. The worst part is that Green might have scored if it was a real game. To make matters worse, not even Rush could explain why he just tossed the ball out to the left flat where there was no receiver in the area. Just when Rush seemed to make progress last week against his former team, the Dallas Cowboys, he throws possibly the worst pick of training camp. Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson gestures for a ball during practice. He once again showed off his skill in the open field. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff) Lamar Jackson highlights One of the best things about watching quarterback Lamar Jackson in practice is that he never stops with the razzle-dazzle moves. He ran an option play to the left, cut inside, and then pulled off about two or three fakes, complete with head moves, and still kept motoring down the field. It’s amazing to try to think about what is going through his head in the open field. He never stops moving. Best hit The best hit of the day belonged to guard Jared Penning, an undrafted rookie out of Northern Iowa. Ravens rookie linebacker Teddye Buchanan blitzed on the left side and was struck by Penning in the guard/tackle hole. It made a nasty thud and Buchanan had to leave for a few plays because he seemed to have a “stinger” on his shoulder. Regardless, the hit was vicious. Buchanan, though, did return a couple of plays later. Preseason finale plans The routine appears to be set for the third and final preseason game. The Ravens are expected to start Rush for a half followed by second-year player Devin Leary in the final two quarters. Starters aren’t expected to play again, but Harbaugh did say that the final 53-man roster, due by 4 p.m. Tuesday, had not been set. He left open the possibility that the Ravens could keep as many as 10 offensive linemen, even though nine would be more preferable. Kyle Hamilton returns Safety Kyle Hamiton participated for the first time since before the Colts visited Owings Mills for a joint practice nearly two weeks ago. Hamilton appeared sluggish and tight during the early part of practice, but more limber after warming up. He didn’t move well in one-on-ones earlier in the day but got around well in the final team periods. Wide receiver Zay Flowers is often the most animated player during practices. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff) Receivers check Second-year receiver Devontez Walker has played well throughout organized team activities and training camp and seems to have added another piece to becoming a complete receiver. During one-on-ones, Walker has developed a good push-off move and gained separation twice against cornerback T.J. Tampa Jr. One receiver who seems to be stuck in the gloom department is rookie LaJohntay Wester. He played a poor game Saturday against Dallas and had several opportunities to make catches Tuesday but showed a lack of effort. Memo to Wester: This isn’t Colorado young lad, time to step up or step back. Speaking of one-on-ones, Rashod Bateman might be the best route runner of any of the receivers. The outside juke he put on cornerback Nate Wiggins before running a slant was devastating. I can only say to Wiggins: “Nate, he went that way.” Related Articles Ravens rookie nicknamed ‘Fub’ could take ‘hungry’ defensive line to another level Ravens’ events partner at M&T Bank Stadium to offer access to new spaces How a 2 1/2-hour dinner led to Tyler Loop becoming Ravens’ kicker Ravens observations: Injury updates on Emery Jones, Adisa Isaac; defense creating turnovers Ravens’ John Harbaugh on Browns naming Flacco starting QB: ‘Joe can sling it’ Zay Flowers’ moves The most animated player during practices, particularly early, is slot receiver Zay Flowers. He has one of the toughest stretching routines around, but he also can bust a couple of dance moves. Injuries and attendance There were two notable returns Tuesday with wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins and cornerback Jalyn Armour-Davis both back at practice, though Hopkins ended up leaving early. Others who didn’t practice included cornerbacks Jaire Alexander and Chidobe Awuzie, fullback Pat Ricard, outside linebacker Kyle Van Noy and wide receiver Dayton Wade. Van Noy and Wade were in workout clothes, though, and did some light running on another field. Outside linebacker Malik Hamm also left practice early. Have a news tip? Contact Brian Wacker at bwacker@baltsun.com, 410-332-6200 and x.com/brianwacker1. Contact Mike Preston at epreston@baltsun.com, 410-332-6467 and x.com/MikePrestonSun. Baltimore Ravens head football coach John Harbaugh talks following practice at Baltimore’s training facility for the upcoming NFL preseason game hosted by the Washington Commanders, with a number of players fighting for a position on the roster. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff)Jarret Johnson, a former outside linebacker with the Ravens, speaks with center Nick Samac after Tuesday's practice in Owings Mills. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff)Baltimore Ravens head coach John Harbaugh smiles following practice at Baltimore’s training facility for the upcoming NFL preseason game hosted by the Washington Commanders, with a number of players fighting for a position on the roster. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff)From left, Baltimore Ravens guard Daniel Faalele, Corey Bullock and center Nick Samac walk with the rest of the offensive line following practice at Baltimore’s training facility for the upcoming NFL preseason game hosted by the Washington Commanders, with a number of players fighting for a position on the roster. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff)Facing camera, Baltimore Ravens head coach John Harbaugh embraces Dick Cass, president emeritus following practice at Baltimore’s training facility for the upcoming NFL preseason game hosted by the Washington Commanders, with a number of players fighting for a position on the roster. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff)Baltimore Ravens tight end Mark Andrews stands following practice at Baltimore’s training facility for the upcoming NFL preseason game hosted by the Washington Commanders, with a number of players fighting for a position on the roster. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff)Members of the Baltimore Ravens offensive line walk together following practice at Baltimore’s training facility for the upcoming NFL preseason game hosted by the Washington Commanders, with a number of players fighting for a position on the roster. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff)Wide receiver Zay Flowers is often the most animated player during practices. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff)Dick Cass, Baltimore Ravens president emeritus stands following practice at Baltimore’s training facility for the upcoming NFL preseason game hosted by the Washington Commanders, with a number of players fighting for a position on the roster. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff)Baltimore Ravens head coach John Harbaugh speaks following practice at Baltimore’s training facility for the upcoming NFL preseason game hosted by the Washington Commanders, with a number of players fighting for a position on the roster. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff)Dick Cass, Baltimore Ravens president emeritus talks with head football coach John Harbaugh following practice at Baltimore’s training facility for the upcoming NFL preseason game hosted by the Washington Commanders, with a number of players fighting for a position on the roster. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff)Baltimore Ravens kicker Tyler Loop stands following practice at Baltimore’s training facility for the upcoming NFL preseason game hosted by the Washington Commanders, with a number of players fighting for a position on the roster. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff)Baltimore Ravens safety Malaki Starks hits practice gear while eyeing Thomas Graham Jr. to engage the cornerback during practice at Baltimore’s training facility for the upcoming NFL preseason game hosted by the Washington Commanders, with a number of players fighting for a position on the roster. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff)Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson waves his arms to piped in music as Devin Leary, left and Cooper Rush jog to begin passing to receivers during practice at Baltimore’s training facility for the upcoming NFL preseason game hosted by the Washington Commanders, with a number of players fighting for a position on the roster. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff)Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Anthony Miller catches a pass during practice at Baltimore’s training facility for the upcoming NFL preseason game hosted by the Washington Commanders, with a number of players fighting for a position on the roster. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff)Baltimore Ravens linebacker Jake Hummel stops a wide throw during practice at Baltimore’s training facility for the upcoming NFL preseason game hosted by the Washington Commanders, with a number of players fighting for a position on the roster. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff)Baltimore Ravens inside linebacker Jay Higgins IV catches a pass during practice at Baltimore’s training facility for the upcoming NFL preseason game hosted by the Washington Commanders, with a number of players fighting for a position on the roster. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff)Baltimore Ravens defensive line coach Dennis Johnson watches outside linebacker David Ojabo hit the pads during practice at Baltimore’s training facility for the upcoming NFL preseason game hosted by the Washington Commanders, with a number of players fighting for a position on the roster. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff)Baltimore Ravens defensive lineman Broderick Washington Jr. lunges during practice at Baltimore’s training facility for the upcoming NFL preseason game hosted by the Washington Commanders, with a number of players fighting for a position on the roster. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff)Baltimore Ravens tight ends coach George Godsey listens to wide receiver Zay Flowers during practice at Baltimore’s training facility for the upcoming NFL preseason game hosted by the Washington Commanders, with a number of players fighting for a position on the roster. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff)Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson speaks with quarterbacks coach Tee Martin during practice at Baltimore’s training facility for the upcoming NFL preseason game hosted by the Washington Commanders, with a number of players fighting for a position on the roster. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff)Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson gestures for a ball during practice. He once again showed off his skill in the open field. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff)A slow shutter speed captures movement of Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Rashod Bateman who runs a pass route during practice at Baltimore’s training facility for the upcoming NFL preseason game hosted by the Washington Commanders, with a number of players fighting for a position on the roster. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff)Baltimore Ravens quarterbacks coach Tee Martin watches quarterback Lamar Jackson pass during practice at Baltimore’s training facility for the upcoming NFL preseason game hosted by the Washington Commanders, with a number of players fighting for a position on the roster. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff)Movement from a slow shutter speed captures Baltimore Ravens tight end Mark Andrews who runs a route during practice at Baltimore’s training facility for the upcoming NFL preseason game hosted by the Washington Commanders, with a number of players fighting for a position on the roster. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff)Baltimore Ravens defensive line coach Dennis Johnson talks with defensive lineman John Jenkins during practice at Baltimore’s training facility for the upcoming NFL preseason game hosted by the Washington Commanders, with a number of players fighting for a position on the roster. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff)Baltimore Ravens defensive lineman C.J. Ravenell stretches during practice at Baltimore’s training facility for the upcoming NFL preseason game hosted by the Washington Commanders, with a number of players fighting for a position on the roster. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff)Baltimore Ravens punter Jordan Stout holds a football during practice at Baltimore’s training facility for the upcoming NFL preseason game hosted by the Washington Commanders, with a number of players fighting for a position on the roster. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff)Baltimore Ravens cornerback Nate Wiggins practices with the help of defensive backs coach Donald D’Alesio during practice at Baltimore’s training facility for the upcoming NFL preseason game hosted by the Washington Commanders, with a number of players fighting for a position on the roster. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff)Baltimore Ravens defensive lineman Broderick Washington Jr., right leans in to huddle with the defensive line during practice at Baltimore’s training facility for the upcoming NFL preseason game hosted by the Washington Commanders, with a number of players fighting for a position on the roster. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff)Baltimore Ravens defensive lineman Broderick Washington Jr. dons his helmet during practice at Baltimore’s training facility for the upcoming NFL preseason game hosted by the Washington Commanders, with a number of players fighting for a position on the roster. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff)Baltimore Ravens defensive line coach Dennis Johnson emerges during practice at Baltimore’s training facility for the upcoming NFL preseason game hosted by the Washington Commanders, with a number of players fighting for a position on the roster. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff)Baltimore Ravens defensive lineman Broderick Washington Jr. during practice at Baltimore’s training facility for the upcoming NFL preseason game hosted by the Washington Commanders, with a number of players fighting for a position on the roster. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff)Baltimore Ravens defensive lineman Aeneas Peebles hits the pads during practice at Baltimore’s training facility for the upcoming NFL preseason game hosted by the Washington Commanders, with a number of players fighting for a position on the roster. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff)Baltimore Ravens tight end Mark Andrews sprints in front of the offensive line during practice at Baltimore’s training facility for the upcoming NFL preseason game hosted by the Washington Commanders, with a number of players fighting for a position on the roster. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff)Baltimore Ravens defensive lineman Aeneas Peebles kneels near John Jenkins during practice at Baltimore’s training facility for the upcoming NFL preseason game hosted by the Washington Commanders, with a number of players fighting for a position on the roster. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff)Show Caption1 of 36Baltimore Ravens head football coach John Harbaugh talks following practice at Baltimore’s training facility for the upcoming NFL preseason game hosted by the Washington Commanders, with a number of players fighting for a position on the roster. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff)Expand View the full article

A private events group has been developed in partnership with the Ravens to be the exclusive partner for non-gameday event services at M&T Bank Stadium. As the private events arm of the Ravens, Relentless Events will oversee more than a dozen venues at the stadium, ranging from private suites to large-scale spaces capable of hosting thousands of guests. The organization promises to bring the energy and precision of Ravens gameday to everything from weddings and galas to corporate functions and concerts. “Our mission at Relentless Events is to deliver bold, dynamic and unforgettable experiences for our clients and their guests that mirror the energy of Ravens gameday,” Kimone Kocica, director of private events, said in a statement last week. The announcement follows an agreement between the Ravens and the Maryland Stadium Authority that gave the team control of marketing for exclusive areas and club-level spaces at M&T Bank Stadium. Approved earlier this month by the authority’s board, the deal shifts promotional responsibilities from the state to the team, which already manages corporate partnerships and premium branding. Under the agreement, the stadium authority will accept a flat annual fee of $431,085 for fiscal year 2025 from the Ravens, as opposed to a percentage-based system for event revenue in years past. The flat fee will rise 3% annually, a figure calculated by averaging 11 years of stadium revenues while excluding the lowest-performing years and the coronavirus pandemic period. Most of that funding comes from a 2022 state law authorizing the stadium authority to issue up to $1.2 billion in bonds for upgrades to M&T Bank Stadium and Oriole Park at Camden Yards — $600 million for each facility. The Ravens became eligible for their share of those funds in January 2023 after agreeing to a lease extension that keeps them in Baltimore through at least 2037. As the stadium’s private events arm, Relentless Events is offering clients access to spaces such as: The Raven, a field-level club inspired by Edgar Allan Poe’s classic poem. Champions Club, which highlights team history with high-end food and beverage services. The Trust, which features a lounge modeled after early 20th-century Baltimore banks. Caesars Sportsbook Club, which can accommodate up to 8,000 guests. Miller Lite Gatehouse & Roof Deck, a dual-level venue with skyline views. Locker Room, an event space within the Ravens’ gameday locker room for up to 200 guests. Private and party suites, offering stadium views and amenities. Blackwing, presented by Sagamore Rye, a speakeasy-style venue, and the stadium’s playing field, which can host up to 4,000 guests. The Ravens’ senior vice president of stadium operations and guest experience, Rich Tamayo, said the goal is to extend the franchise’s brand into the events business. “This is more than a venue; it’s a platform for extraordinary experiences,” Tamayo said in the statement. Relentless Events will operate year-round, offering private access to the stadium’s spaces when the Ravens are not playing. Have a news tip? Contact Todd Karpovich at tkarpovich@baltsun.com or on X as @ToddKarpovich. View the full article