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There was a buzz in Owings Mills that had been absent through the first three days of training camp. It wasn’t for Gov. Wes Moore, who donned a Ravens jersey, took photos with fans and chatted with players. Lamar Jackson was back. The two-time NFL Most Valuable Player returned after missing the first three practices with an illness, albeit for a short time. The 27-year-old quarterback attended meetings Wednesday morning, then jogged onto the field to roars from the bleachers, full of fans hopeful he’d finally show. He left quietly about an hour later. “It’s great having him back today,” offensive coordinator Todd Monken said. “But I don’t feel behind. We didn’t stop. We still installed.” While on the field, Jackson showed what the Ravens have been missing, but he also displayed the side effects of his absence. His first play of the 11-on-11 period drew a false start flag on tackle Josh Jones. Later, he peppered Zay Flowers, Mark Andrews and Rashod Bateman with targets. Jackson ended the session with several consecutive incompletions and was intercepted by cornerback Marlon Humphrey. Jackson departed shortly after. The Ravens are off Thursday, giving the quarterback another day to recuperate, then return Friday for the first padded practice of camp. Defense shines again Safety Marcus Williams started the full-team session with a pick-six against backup Josh Johnson on the opening play, the first of seven interceptions from the defense Wednesday. Humphrey had two, Trayvon Mullen added a pair, Kyle Hamilton intercepted rookie quarterback Devin Leary, then Jalyn Armour-Davis snatched an end zone fade from Johnson to Andrews in the air to put the cap on a suffocating defensive showing. “I give a lot of credit to [general manager] Eric [DeCosta] and his staff for putting this roster together,” pass game coordinator Chris Hewitt said. “We got a lot of talented guys back there. We got speed. We got guys who are pit bulls. We got it all.” The Ravens’ defense has severely outplayed the offense through four days of camp. Three of those were without Jackson, but the unit’s domination continued even with him back. Baltimore’s secondary figures to be deeper than it has in recent years. That depth has already flashed often. Humphrey slimmed down and said he feels better than he has in years. Williams has recovered from injuries that hindered him in 2023. First-round pick Nate Wiggins, veteran safety Eddie Jackson and rookie cornerback T.J. Tampa (sidelined after sports hernia surgery) will provide more options and allow first-year defensive coordinator Zach Orr and Hewitt to tinker with different combinations in nickel and dime packages. “We got a lot of smart guys. We got a lot of high-IQ football players,” Orr said. “The more you can do, the better. If you’re a linebacker, you need to know both spots. If you’re a DB, you need to know every spot in the secondary. If you’re up front, you need to know every spot up front. The higher IQ they have, the more they can handle.” Ravens embracing new kickoff rules Special teams coordinator Chris Horton spent his offseason and the early stages of camp trying to master the NFL’s new kickoff rules that will give those plays a wildly different look. Kickoffs will still begin from the kicking team’s 35-yard line. But under the new rules, the kicking team’s tacklers will line up at the receiving team’s 40-yard line and cannot move until the ball is caught or hits the ground. The receiving team will align between its 30- and 35-yard line, giving both sides a 5-yard buffer zone, and it too can’t move until the ball is caught or hits the ground. Adopted this offseason but first displayed by the XFL, the NFL hopes the new alignment prevents high-speed collisions that were frequent in traditional kickoffs while encouraging more returns. “It actually has been pretty fun, putting together different schemes,” Horton said. “We had six days this spring to kind of work those things — that’s not a lot of time, and that was with the players in shorts and T-shirts. As the pads start to come on, we’ll start to find out a little bit more about the play. The Ravens will continue to tinker with possibilities throughout camp and refine their strategies in the preseason with the hope they maintain their status as one of the league’s premier special teams units. Ravens wide receiver Rashod Bateman greets young fans during training camp at the Ravens’ training facility Wednesday. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff) Rashod Bateman continues to impress While many expect Flowers and Andrews to have big years, the pass catcher that has looked the best so far might be 2021 first-round pick Rashod Bateman. “I think he’s always had a belief in himself as a player,” Monken said. “We’re expecting a big year from Rashod [Bateman]. We’re expecting great things from him, and he is from himself.” Bateman had another solid day despite the struggling backup quarterbacks, showcasing what he can do now that he’s healthy and a full participant from Day 1. After Bateman signed a three-year, $15 million contract extension this offseason, everyone has raved about how the receiver has looked this summer. If that momentum translates to more production, the offense could reach a new level. Related Articles Baltimore Ravens | Fourth day of Ravens training camp | PHOTOS Baltimore Ravens | Gov. Wes Moore takes in Ravens camp, talks presidential race and Key Bridge Baltimore Ravens | Ravens QB Lamar Jackson returns to practice after missing time with illness before exiting early Baltimore Ravens | Slimmer and healthier, Ravens CB Marlon Humphrey could be key for positionless secondary Baltimore Ravens | Third day of Ravens training camp | PHOTOS Paying the price Lapses in judgment and mistakes are sure to happen during the early stages of training camp, as evidenced by the increasing amount of Ravens offensive linemen taking a punishment lap around the field after committing a false start penalty. On Wednesday, that dishonor went to Josh Jones and Ben Cleveland, as several offensive linemen committed a false start for the third straight day. With some spots on the line yet to be solidified, Monken explained the confidence that he and offensive line coach Joe D’Alessandris have in the unit. The pair is tasked with replacing three starters from last year and finalizing who will be protecting Jackson and opening holes for running back Derrick Henry. “Joe’s going to have a big voice and we’ve got the talent,” Monken said. “We think those guys can play, we just need to get them out there and see who takes advantage of the opportunity.” Mike Preston sounds off Jackson finally participated in practice, mostly in the first segment, but the Ravens need him to return quickly before a receiver gets hurt. The quarterbacks threw six interceptions Wednesday, with a lot of them over the outstretched arms of intended targets. It is easy to see that some of the receivers are getting frustrated with the poorly thrown passes. Midway through practice, veteran receiver Nelson Agholor gave up on a poorly thrown pass on a 15-yard out route. That’s what is known as a “business decision” in the NFL. There is no use getting hurt in practice. Later in practice, Andrews seemed irritated on an underthrown pass that virtually gave him no chance of making a catch in the right corner of the end zone. It’s a good thing the Ravens aren’t having practice Thursday. That gives Jackson more time to rest and get healthy. Jackson showed very little energy during his time on the field and was off his game. Regardless, the Ravens’ best play in 2024 will still be Jackson improvising and running around to make plays. It was basically a “brother-in-law” day on the interior lines, as both units seemed more content to go through the motions instead of challenging each other. Left tackle Ronnie Stanley didn’t have a good day, and that could be said about the right side of the offensive line as well. The defense is expected to be ahead of the offense after only three days of training camp, but it will be interesting to see what happens when the full pads go on. The team has practiced in “shells,” helmets and shoulder pads, to start camp. Rookie receiver Devontez Walker, a fourth-round pick out of North Carolina, had a good day with several catches in which he was able to find soft spots in the defense. One of those was a roughly 20-yard grab on an out pattern near the left sideline in which he got both feet in bounds before stepping out. Ravens coach John Harbaugh has his offensive linemen running a lap when they jump offsides, but it was amusing watching both 344-pound Malaesala Aumavae-Laulu and 305-pound Cleveland attempt to jog after being called for penalties. It was a leisurely stroll in which they cut the distance short. Next time, Coach, just call an Uber. View the full article

Baltimore Ravens quarterbacks Lamar Jackson, Josh Johnson #17 and Emory Jones drop back to pass during training camp at the Ravens’ training facility. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff) Baltimore Ravens offensive linemen hits the pads during training camp at the Ravens’ training facility. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff) Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Rashod Bateman greets young fans during training camp at the Ravens’ training facility. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff) Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson passes during training camp at the Ravens’ training facility. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff) Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson exchanges hugs with center Tyler Linderbaum during training camp at the Ravens’ training facility. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff) Baltimore Ravens center Nick Samac greets quarterback Lamar Jackson during training camp at the Ravens’ training facility. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff) Governor Wes Moore, D-Md., catches a pass during training camp at the Ravens’ training facility. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff) From left, Baltimore Ravens quarterbacks Lamar Jackson, Devin Leary, Josh Johnson and Emory Jones drop back to pass during training camp at the Ravens’ training facility. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff) Governor Wes Moore, D-Md. exchanges handshakes with Ozzie Newsome during training camp at the Ravens’ training facility. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff) Baltimore Ravens running back Derrick Henry catches a pass during training camp at the Ravens’ training facility. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff) Todd Monken, Baltimore Ravens offensive coordinator watches the players during training camp at the Ravens’ training facility. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff) Baltimore Ravens running back Rasheen Ali sprints during training camp at the Ravens’ training facility. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff) Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson drops back while being hit with pads during training camp at the Ravens’ training facility. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff) Baltimore Ravens kicker Justin Tucker signs autographs for fans during training camp at the Ravens’ training facility. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff) Baltimore Ravens cornerback Nate Wiggins, nicknamed “Deuce,” signs autographs for fans during training camp at the Ravens’ training facility. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff) Chris Hewitt, Baltimore Ravens assistant head coach speaks during training camp at the Ravens’ training facility. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff) Zach Orr, Baltimore Ravens defensive coordinator speaks during training camp at the Ravens’ training facility. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff) Todd Monken, Baltimore Ravens offensive coordinator speaks during training camp at the Ravens’ training facility. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff) Chris Horton, Baltimore Ravens special teams coordinator speaks during training camp at the Ravens’ training facility. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff) View the full article

Justin Tucker had only one question for Wes Moore. The Ravens’ veteran kicker bumped into the Maryland Gov. along the sideline of Wednesday’s training camp practice and asked, “Did I hear you got a new dog?” “Yes,” Moore said enthusiastically of the fluffy mixed-breed rescue puppy his family adopted last year. “And his name is Tucker!” The two shared a big hug and praised one another as part of Moore’s first visit of the year to the team’s facility in Owings Mills. As much anticipation as there was for quarterback Lamar Jackson to make his training camp debut after missing three days because of illness, there appeared to be a similar excitement from players, staffers and fans to mingle with Moore. One youngster asked Moore if his purple No. 8 Jackson jersey was a custom thread. “No,” he said, “this is the best player in the NFL’s jersey. I’m a big fan of him and a big fan of the whole team.” Moore vowed to another young fan that the two-time league Most Valuable Player would bring home a Super Bowl this year. He shared full-bellied laughs and wide grins for photos with kids and parents alike while basking in the excitement of a team with championship expectations. “This is such an exciting team,” Moore said. “We are so special. When you look at everything from our assets and our players to our coaching, the mentality — this is a no-lose mentality. We had a great year last year, it didn’t end the way any of us hoped it would. But I’ll tell you what, I’m excited that we got the Chiefs Week 1 ’cause we gon’ bring it to ’em Week 1.” Moore’s scouting report for his favorite football team was merely a series of questions about how opposing teams could possibly prepare for a Ravens offense. “Who do you have on your scout team that is as fast as Lamar Jackson?” he asked. “Who do you have on your scout team that prepares you for Derrick Henry? Do you throw a linebacker to go play running back?” Governor Wes Moore, D-Md. chats with Baltimore Ravens Gradyn Fordes, 10 of New Columbia, PA, who wears a jersey for quarterback Lamar Jackson during training camp at the Ravens' training facility. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff) Wes Moore, governor of Maryland waves during training camp at the Ravens' training facility. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff) Gov. Wes Moore greets Ravens executive vice president Ozzie Newsome during training camp Wednesday in Owings Mills. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff) Governor Wes Moore, D-Md. passes the football during training camp at the Ravens' training facility. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff) Governor Wes Moore, D-Md. catches a pass during training camp at the Ravens' training facility. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff) Governor Wes Moore, D-Md., catches a pass during training camp at the Ravens' training facility. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff) Show Caption1 of 6Governor Wes Moore, D-Md. chats with Baltimore Ravens Gradyn Fordes, 10 of New Columbia, PA, who wears a jersey for quarterback Lamar Jackson during training camp at the Ravens' training facility. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff) Expand Moore had a chance to play catch with Henry before making his way out to the field. Then he stood to the side as the team’s highly anticipated offseason addition juked between upside down trash cans with the rest of the running backs. Moore could only shake his head, bewildered watching the 6-foot-3, 247-pound Henry up close. “Let me be clear,” Moore said. “Derrick Henry is a monster. That’s a big dude right there.” Football aside, Moore did address topics more pressing to his line of work. Of the state of the Democratic Party on the heels of President Joe Biden dropping out of the 2024 presidential race and Vice President Kamala Harris’ nomination, Moore is most optimistic by the election’s change in tone: from “speech patterns and walking gait” to the polarizing visions for the future of the country. “I think the party is energized,” said Moore, who on Monday endorsed Harris and said he has “no interest” in leaving his role as governor to serve as her running mate. “I think it’s been a while since there’s been a real debate about the contrast that exists between the candidates. That changed on Sunday. … There’s a very real choice that people in this country are going to make with two very contrasting visions. “I’m excited for the work that we’ve done historically for the Biden-Harris administration. I’m excited about the work that we have done with the Vice President. And I’m looking forward to supporting her in any way that I can to make sure that she’s successful in November.” Moore also addressed The Francis Scott Key Bridge’s recent federal funding approval following its collapse in March. By Labor Day, the transportation authority hopes to select a builder, with sights set on the new bridge opening to traffic by October 2028. “What this state just pulled off was a case study on how to respond to tragedy,” Moore said. “We saw in record time, what people said would take 11 months, we were able to get the full federal channel cleared in 11 weeks and get the Port of Baltimore reopened. I was also clear when I said, the mission is not complete until we get that Key Bridge rebuilt. That will be mission accomplished.” Moore added he was on the phone earlier Wednesday with both Democratic and Republican senators about getting the Baltimore Bridge Relief Act the financial support required to finish building the bridge on schedule. After wrapping his Ravens visit — and, as he said, drying off the sweat that comes with time spent at a July football practice — Moore headed over to M&T Bank Stadium. The longtime home of the Ravens announced last year a series of stadium development projects behind more than $400 million in state-funded renovations. That includes exclusive suites, a beer hall and an upgraded club level with the hope of hosting events beyond football at the 26-year-old stadium. “I’m excited to see the new renovations,” Moore said. “It’s great to have such a phenomenal partner in the Baltimore Ravens. In their ownership group and in their leadership group. These are people who understand what it means to win. … The Baltimore Ravens play a really important part in making sure that it’s Baltimore’s time. I’m excited to get there to check it out and I’m excited to be there every home game cheering the team on.” View the full article

Lamar Jackson is back. The star quarterback and two-time NFL Most Valuable Player made his first appearance of training camp Wednesday afternoon in Owings Mills after missing the first three days of practice with an illness. Jackson was at the team’s facility Saturday, but was sent home from meetings after not feeling well. He was also on hand when quarterbacks reported July 15 ahead of the start of training camp. Coach John Harbaugh said Tuesday of Jackson’s extended absence that it was “just a matter of when the doctors are going to clear him and he’s going to feel good enough.” Backup quarterback Josh Johnson, a 38-year-old veteran; Devin Leary, a rookie sixth-round draft pick from Kentucky; and undrafted rookie Emory Jones, who played at Florida, Arizona State and Cincinnati, have received the bulk of the snaps in Jackson’s absence this week. Jackson, 27, is coming off his second MVP award in five years after setting career highs in passing yards and completion percentage while leading the Ravens to an NFL-best 13-4 regular-season record and an appearance in the AFC championship game. Baltimore opens its season Sept. 5 at Arrowhead Stadium against the Kansas City Chiefs in a rematch of that playoff matchup. Jackson has a 1-4 record against the Chiefs, including last season’s 17-10 season-ending loss at M&T Bank Stadium. View the full article

Ravens cornerback Marlon Humphrey stripped off his helmet and jersey, revealing a sleeveless and sweat-soaked t-shirt that looked big on his seemingly thinner 6-foot frame. Though he’s officially listed at 203 pounds, he acknowledged that he’s lost about 10 since last season and is now around 190. The decision, he said, was by design. “I looked at my better seasons, I was a little bit lighter those years,” he said Tuesday after the third day of training camp in Owings Mills. “I’ve been feeling [I’m] moving pretty well at it. “Since I tore my [pectoral in 2021], I got my grown man weight on me and it just never went off, so I just stuck with it. It’s a young man’s game, so I decided to get a little lower.” At 28 and entering his eighth year in the NFL since the Ravens drafted him 16th overall out of Alabama in 2017, the former All-Pro is inching toward the back end of his career. And while his play took a downturn in 2023, injuries also cropped up. The two were not mutually exclusive. Humphrey played in just 10 games and had but a single takeaway last season, both career lows. “Last year was a unique year,” Humphrey said. “Every time I felt like I was pretty healthy, it felt like I got hurt the next game.” After foot surgery last August kept him out for the first month of the season, Humphrey made his season debut in Week 5 against the Steelers in Pittsburgh. Ravens cornerback Marlon Humphrey works on tackling during training camp. “I like hitting people,” Humphrey said. “It’s a place I’m comfortable in.” (Kevin Richardson/Staff) The ramp up was slow: Humphrey said the first time he sprinted wasn’t until two days before kickoff. Then he played just 37 snaps, and while he performed solidly for the majority of the time he was on the field, he got beat badly when it counted most. With Baltimore clinging to a 10-8 lead with 1:25 remaining in the fourth quarter and Humphrey in man coverage on George Pickens, the second-year receiver raced past him up the right sideline, hauling in a 41-yard touchdown pass that proved to be the game-winner. Over the next four games, Humphrey was targeted 10 times but allowed just five completions for 24 yards, per Pro Football Focus. Then the injury bug bit again. Going into the Ravens’ Week 10 game against the Cleveland Browns at M&T Bank Stadium, Humphrey was added to the injury report late in the week with a hamstring issue. In the loss, he suffered a noncontact calf injury in the third quarter and did not return. Humphrey missed the next two games, and when he returned against the Los Angeles Rams, he struggled again, allowing four catches for 92 yards, including one to Cooper Krupp that went for 34 yards after a double move. He also dropped a would-be interception in the end zone. A week later, the Ravens blew out the Miami Dolphins to clinch the top seed in the AFC, but Humphrey suffered a first-quarter calf injury, did not return and didn’t appear again until the AFC championship game against the Kansas City Chiefs in which he played just 13 snaps and had a missed tackle on receiver Rashee Rice. “I think that’s some of the things I regret last year is, attacking the rehab but also what can you do to stay in it for when you’re ready to go,” he said. “I had certain injuries where you needed rest, and I overtook some of the rest time and then thought I could just play in the game Sunday and be my usual self. “Not really making excuses, but what I’ve tried to do this offseason is to prepare a little better for even when you’re hurt. You’ve gotta prepare for the worst.” But Humphrey’s success this year could stretch beyond his health. With a deep and versatile cornerback room that includes Brandon Stephens, who blossomed on the outside in his third season, and first-round pick Nate Wiggins, the Ravens’ secondary continues to move closer to a positionless group in which players are expected to be able to play all over the field. The best example of that, of course, is jack of all trades safety Kyle Hamilton, who last season logged more snaps (465) at slot corner (301) than he did at free safety. The idea of Humphrey, who played almost exclusively out wide last year, playing more inside this season is one the cornerback is embracing, and for good reason. From 2021 to 2023, which included a Pro Bowl selection in 2022, he was one of the league’s better defenders when he lined up in the slot. “I like hitting people,” Humphrey said. “It’s a place I’m comfortable in.” The ideal, he added, will be to have him, Stephens and Wiggins (as well as Hamilton) all on the field at the same time. But wherever the Ravens deploy their aging star corner, staying on the field and performing better than he did last season will be integral to the defense’s success. Related Articles Baltimore Ravens | Third day of Ravens training camp | PHOTOS Baltimore Ravens | Ravens observations on an impressive secondary, backup QB performances, ‘Nasty Nate’ and more Baltimore Ravens | Ravens QB Lamar Jackson ‘closer’ to return after missing third straight practice with illness Baltimore Ravens | Ravens impressed by new teammate Derrick Henry: ‘Just happy he’s on our side’ Baltimore Ravens | Ravens safety Eddie Jackson ready to join familiar faces for Super Bowl run “Having Marlon Humphrey at full speed and at his best would be massively beneficial,” coach John Harbaugh said earlier this week. “That’s what we expect him to be. He’s in great shape.” Others have noticed, too. “He’s looking good,” Hamilton said. “He’s got the abs back. “He’s running, he’s covering very well. … He’s still one of the fastest guys on the team.” While there’s yet to be any talk among the coaches of using Humphrey at safety, it’s something he said he always saw himself doing at some point, so that could be yet another wrinkle for Baltimore’s defense to consider. The recent addition of veteran Eddie Jackson probably makes it unnecessary, but Humphrey did concede that there’s been plenty of talk about him or Stephens also playing nickel corner. “I wasn’t really used to being hurt a lot,” Humphrey said. “Last year was a little different for me, but I’m kind of ready for whatever this year. “With what Nate’s already shown … it’ll be a lot of plays being made by this secondary with Eddie included. There will be so many packages. Teams won’t know what we’re doing, who’s playing what. Anybody can line up anywhere.” View the full article

Ravens defensive lineman Justin Madubuike, center, tries to shield blockers during training camp. (Kevin Richardson/Staff) Baltimore Ravens cornerback Marlon Humphrey catches a pass during training camp. (Kevin Richardson/Staff) Baltimore Ravens cornerback Nate Wiggins works on tackling during training camp. (Kevin Richardson/Staff) Baltimore Ravens safety Kyle Hamilton catches a pass during training camp. (Kevin Richardson/Staff) Baltimore Ravens safety Kyle Hamilton, right, talks to teammates during training camp Tuesday. (Kevin Richardson/Staff) Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Rashod Bateman, right, watches his teammate Nelson Agholor warming up during training camp. (Kevin Richardson/Staff) Ravens defensive lineman Justin Madubuike, right, tries to shield blockers during training camp. (Kevin Richardson/Staff) Baltimore Ravens cornerback Marlon Humphrey works on tackling during training camp. (Kevin Richardson/Staff) Baltimore Ravens safety Kyle Hamilton, center, talks to teammates during training camp. (Kevin Richardson/Staff) Ravens offensive line coach Joe D’Alessandris, right, talks with the linemen during training camp on Tuesday. (Kevin Richardson/Staff) Baltimore Ravens safety Kyle Hamilton works on backpedaling during training camp. (Kevin Richardson/Staff) Ravens quarterback Josh Johnson, left, throws a pass during training camp. (Kevin Richardson/Staff) Baltimore Ravens safety Kyle Hamilton catches a pass during training camp. (Kevin Richardson/Staff) Baltimore Ravens running back Derrick Henry catches a pass during training camp. (Kevin Richardson/Staff) Baltimore Ravens safety Kyle Hamilton catches a pass during training camp. (Kevin Richardson/Staff) Baltimore Ravens cornerback Damarion Williams works on tackling during training camp. (Kevin Richardson/Staff) Baltimore Ravens tight end Mark Andrews catches a pass during training camp. (Kevin Richardson/Staff) View the full article

Last year at this time, many had reservations about a Ravens secondary that, while not lacking talent, certainly lacked healthy bodies. Through the first three days of training camp, the secondary looks to be the strongest unit on the team as coach John Harbaugh and new defensive coordinator Zach Orr mix and match a room full of versatility, intensity and playmaking ability. “We’re so deep in that room right now,” safety Kyle Hamilton said. “We can never get tired. We will never have someone on the field that’s a liability. It’s such a disadvantage for the offense.” Tuesday was another good day for the defensive backs with veteran cornerback Arthur Maulet taking his turn making the interception of the day, coming up with a nice grab over wideout Nelson Agholor. After that, the rest of the group pounced. Cornerback Brandon Stephens made two nice plays on the outside while being matched up with wide receivers Rashod Bateman and Zay Flowers throughout the day. Health matters Despite the lack of highlight-reel plays, Harbaugh was particularly impressed with a pair of 2022 draft picks, defensive backs Jalyn Armour-Davis and Damarion “Pepe” Williams. Just as important as making plays and knowing assignments, both are now healthy, according to Harbaugh, and are looking to add to the secondary’s strength. “Big year for both those guys,” Harbaugh said. “They’re both practicing so well right now, I’m excited. First three days in and they’ve both been excellent.” When it comes to health, it helps when two of the defense’s best players are back and ready to go, and that’s been the case this summer with All-Pro selections Marlon Humphrey and Hamilton. Hamilton missed mandatory minicamp with a minor elbow surgery but has been a full participant through three days of training camp. Humphrey, who provided the shock of camp last season when he underwent foot surgery, said a big part of his recovery was returning to his roots — and shedding some weight. “I slimmed down a little bit,” said Humphrey, who acknowledged dropping from around 200 pounds to 190. “I looked back at some of my better seasons and I was a little bit lighter. I’ve been moving pretty well.” Ravens offensive line coach Joe D’Alessandris, right, talks with the linemen during training camp Tuesday. (Kevin Richardson/Staff) Offensive line takes shape Harbaugh said at mandatory minicamp in June that he’d like the offensive line competitions to be settled within the first couple weeks of training camp. After just three days, some leaders are emerging for the spots up for grabs. Daniel Faalele has been used primarily at right guard. The third-year lineman started just one game through his first two seasons, but he’s in line for an expanded role if he continues his impressive camp. “We’re gonna give it a shot and see how it looks,” Harbaugh said. “Daniel’s got very good feet for his size. That’s a big man, but he can move his feet. He can also bend and create leverage. We feel like he’s got a chance with Tyler [Linderbaum] to move people in there. We’ll see how he adapts.” The 6-8, 380-pound Faalele moved defenders into the second level frequently Tuesday to carve running lanes for Derrick Henry. Harbaugh believes the lineman’s skills might be better used at guard rather than tackle, the position he played in college at Minnesota but never broke through at in Baltimore. Patrick Mekari is working mostly at right tackle, a spot vacated after the Ravens traded Morgan Moses. Mekari is also Linderbaum’s primary backup at center, Harbaugh said. Offensive line coach Joe D’Alessandris said last month that the team thinks it gains the most value from Mekari’s versatility with him as a reserve, but the veteran is in the mix for a starting role for now. “We’ve got certain guys that are moving at certain positions,” Harbaugh said. “They work their primary spot, their secondary spot. Some guys work both guards. Some guys stay on the left side. The more you can do, the better you are.” Ravens quarterbacks Josh Johnson, left, and Devin Leary throw passes during training camp. (Kevin Richardson/Staff) Jackson out again Lamar Jackson was absent again Tuesday with an undisclosed illness. Harbaugh said the star quarterback is closer to a return but had no update for when that could be. With Jackson out, the Ravens’ three other quarterbacks have gotten extended looks alongside the first and second teams. None have looked particularly sharp as they battle for the No. 2 spot. Related Articles Baltimore Ravens | Ravens QB Lamar Jackson ‘closer’ to return after missing third straight practice with illness Baltimore Ravens | Ravens impressed by new teammate Derrick Henry: ‘Just happy he’s on our side’ Baltimore Ravens | Ravens safety Eddie Jackson ready to join familiar faces for Super Bowl run Baltimore Ravens | Mike Preston’s Ravens observations on Rashod Bateman’s up-and-down day, O-line questions and more | COMMENTARY Baltimore Ravens | Second day of Ravens training camp 2024 | PHOTOS Josh Johnson, the most experienced of the group, has displayed the best chemistry with receivers through the first three days of camp. The 38-year-old veteran connected with Bateman three times in the 11-on-11 portion of Tuesday’s practice, highlighted by a contested deep ball down the right sideline that Bateman grabbed over Humphrey. Johnson also found Keith Kirkwood for a touchdown in perhaps the most impressive play from the offense all afternoon. But Johnson also showed lapses. He’s been slow to get rid of the ball throughout camp and has taken plenty of would-be sacks as a result. Tuesday, Maulet picked him off for the cornerback’s third interception in as many days. Rookie Nate Wiggins had one of his many pass breakups of camp on an off-target throw from Johnson. Rookies Devin Leary and Emory Jones have done little to show the Ravens should keep three quarterbacks. Both were inconsistent at all levels of the field and haven’t found a rhythm with any pass catchers. ‘Nasty Nate’ is born Last season, Jackson dubbed Flowers “joystick” after the first day of camp for the way the 2023 first-round pick quickly changed directions, as well as his smooth footwork and explosiveness. Tuesday, it was time for 2024 first-rounder Wiggins to reveal “Nasty Nate” to the world. Wiggins sheepishly revealed the new nickname, given to him by Humphrey. While Wiggins couldn’t confirm or deny if the name was going to stick, his comments on his play style could shed some insight into how Humphrey made his choice. “I’m trying to work at not using my catchup speed and being better at the line of scrimmage with my hands,” Wiggins said. “I talk a lot [of trash] to the receiver. It brings me more confidence, talking to the receiver and trying to get in their heads.” Regardless of whether “Nasty Nate” sticks or not, it’s clear the rookie has already made quite the impression on his teammates. View the full article

Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson missed his third straight training camp practice Tuesday but could be back on the field soon. “I’m sure he’s closer to getting out there than he was. It’s just a matter of when the doctors are going to clear him and he’s going to feel good enough,” coach John Harbaugh said. Jackson, the reigning NFL Most Valuable Player, was sent home from the team’s practice facility in Owings Mills on Sunday with an undisclosed illness. The 27-year-old superstar had been at practice earlier last week, with quarterbacks and injured veterans having reported to training camp July 15. “He came in yesterday with something off,” Harbaugh said Sunday. “We tried to get some fluids in him and he just wasn’t able to go.” Backup Josh Johnson, a 38-year-old veteran, and Devin Leary, a rookie sixth-round draft pick from Kentucky, have received the bulk of the snaps in Jackson’s absence. Undrafted rookie Emory Jones, who played at Florida, Arizona State and Cincinnati, is also on the roster. The Ravens will practice again Wednesday, Friday and Saturday this week. They open the preseason Aug. 9 against the Philadelphia Eagles at 7:30 p.m. and kick off the regular season Sept. 5 against the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium. This story might be updated. View the full article

Nobody forgets the first time they stand near Derrick Henry. Safety Eddie Jackson officially signed with the Ravens on Sunday ahead of the team’s first training camp practice. By Monday, he was in awe of the star running back’s 6-foot-2, 247-pound frame. “I was telling the guys today, when ‘D-Hen’ first walked onto the field when I saw him at Alabama, I couldn’t believe how big he was,” Jackson said. “You see the film, him being a Florida guy. Then you see him in person, it’s like he’s a created player off a game.” “He’s a freak,” outside linebacker Odafe Oweh added. “Physical specimen. He looks like he could play defensive end, for real. I’m excited to see what he brings to the team. I’m just happy he’s on our side.” Until the newly acquired 30-year-old running back gets real repetitions in purple — beyond the non-padded play of early training camp — the Henry discourse will largely focus on football hypotheticals and his almost-mythical body. Often the two overlap. Zay Flowers was asked about how Henry might impact the offense. “[Have] you seen him before?” the 5-9, 182-pound wide receiver asked, met with laughter. “Have you seen him in person? You’ve got to stop that first, before you worry about somebody of my stature.” Gleaning much of anything concrete from training camp’s first week can be a futile exercise. Particularly, before the pads go on. Take, for example, a play Monday under persistent rain. Backup quarterback Josh Johnson dropped back in the pocket while Henry darted into the flat. Baltimore’s defensive line suffocated Johnson. With pads, it would have been a sack. Without pads, Johnson was able to flick the ball to Henry. But the ball slipped out of Henry’s hands and was intercepted for a would-be pick-six. The kind of play that stirs a July crowd braving tough conditions, but is meaningless in the grand scheme. Henry’s second day of training camp was otherwise fairly nondescript. When he wasn’t barreling out of the backfield, he spent most of his afternoon observing while in conversation with running backs coach Willie Taggart — much of that presumably about his acclimation to a new offense. “Watching them through the years and playing against them, it’s the style that they play with,” Henry said. “The offense that they run. Having Lamar, who’s different — who’s really different — that played a big factor into it as well. The success that they had last year, it’s something I definitely wanted to be a part of and be an added piece to this offense. It’s always been a certain type of culture and the style of play that the Ravens play, something that I was excited to come be a part of.” The soft-spoken Henry said what excites him most about joining the Ravens is the surplus of weapons, highlighted by Jackson, Flowers and tight ends in Mark Andrews and Isaiah Likely. Henry adds a new layer of strength to an offense that scored the second-most rushing touchdowns in the league last year (26). That, and uplifting a returning contender that was a win away from playing in the Super Bowl last year. “You have this guy, you have this guy, you have that guy, and at the end of the day,” wide receiver Rashod Bateman said, “you have Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry, so I’m kind of like everybody else. I’m just excited to watch it.” A recent story from Dan Pompei of The Athletic revealed stupefying details of how Henry has sustained his dominance: namely, that the All-Pro’s financial adviser estimated that Henry spends $240,000 annually on body maintenance. Related Articles Baltimore Ravens | Ravens safety Eddie Jackson ready to join familiar faces for Super Bowl run Baltimore Ravens | Mike Preston’s Ravens observations on Rashod Bateman’s up-and-down day, O-line questions and more | COMMENTARY Baltimore Ravens | Second day of Ravens training camp 2024 | PHOTOS Baltimore Ravens | Fashion provides now-healthy Ravens WR Rashod Bateman ‘peace of mind’ while he works for bigger role Baltimore Ravens | Ravens tight end Mark Andrews enters training camp with injury behind him: ‘I feel 100%’ That includes a personal chef who helps him avoid fried food, gluten, dairy and artificial flavors. And during the offseason, according to Pompei, Henry doesn’t eat his first meal until 1 p.m. In-season, it’s more like 4 or 5 p.m. At his 3:30 p.m. post-practice media availability, Henry was asked if he had eaten yet. He laughed and thought about it for a moment. Those times were in reference to early morning practices when he played in Tennessee. “We practice at 1 [p.m.] here so I can’t go out on the field without having anything in my stomach,” he said. Just spinach, kale and avocado Monday morning. “Before, I was eating whatever I wanted: chicken wings, pizza, anything,” Henry said. “That’s not going to sustain it. I challenged myself to try to see if I could do it. Once I got used to it, it became easy. Now my body feels great. Just seeing how my body responded to it and the routine and the diet, I love it. It’s probably something I’ll do the rest of my life.” Body composition aside, does Henry have any particular goals in mind as he opens his first training camp with a new organization? Henry bowed his head toward the microphone before him and didn’t hesitate: “Super Bowl. That’s the goal.“ View the full article

Ravens newly acquired safety Eddie Jackson made quite an impression on coach John Harbaugh long before Jackson signed to come to Baltimore — way back in 2017. “I can remember it like it was yesterday,” Harbaugh said after the first day of full team practices Sunday. “I remember him running the ball for Alabama when we’re looking at the draft, and then him having all of these good years in Chicago [and] playing against him.” Jackson, a two-time Pro Bowl selection and 2018 first team All-Pro, stood out on Day 2 of training camp Monday, intercepting a pass from Emory Jones in what was one of many highlights for the defense on a rainy afternoon. In his first public comments since signing with Baltimore last week, Jackson explained his decision to come to Baltimore and how he looks to enhance a secondary and locker room looking to make a run to the Super Bowl. “It felt like a perfect fit,” Jackson said. “Knowing what they have in the building and the tradition of things, I knew it’s perfect for me to come in, do what I have to do to get better everyday and hopefully win the Super Bowl.” A fourth-round draft pick in 2017 out of Alabama, Jackson joins former college teammates Derrick Henry and Marlon Humphrey, who were all part of the Crimson Tide’s 2015 national title team. Jackson also reunites with linebacker Roquan Smith, whom he played with in Chicago from 2018 to 2022 before Smith was traded to Baltimore. “There’s a great group of guys in the locker room,” Jackson said with a smile. “I grew up with a lot of the guys so I feel right at home, it feels natural.” Pairing a veteran like Jackson with Humphrey and fellow safeties Marcus Williams and Kyle Hamilton might be what the Ravens need to solidify a secondary looking to add depth to an already talented core. “He’s a pro, great demeanor,” Harbaugh said. “He seems like he’s picked up the defense. He’s been digging in that playbook really hard and he looks good.” Related Articles Baltimore Ravens | Ravens impressed by new teammate Derrick Henry: ‘Just happy he’s on our side’ Baltimore Ravens | Mike Preston’s Ravens observations on Rashod Bateman’s up-and-down day, O-line questions and more | COMMENTARY Baltimore Ravens | Second day of Ravens training camp 2024 | PHOTOS Baltimore Ravens | Fashion provides now-healthy Ravens WR Rashod Bateman ‘peace of mind’ while he works for bigger role Baltimore Ravens | Ravens tight end Mark Andrews enters training camp with injury behind him: ‘I feel 100%’ Now with Jackson in the fold, Swiss army knife defenders like Hamilton and Arthur Maulet can continue to move around and play different positions on new defensive coordinator Zach Orr’s unit. The Ravens laud a secondary stockpiled with moveable and sometimes interchangeable pieces. Harbaugh beamed at the possibility of several “position groupings” that will place players in various spots on the defense in an attempt to mix up coverages and disrupt offenses. “I feel like this is the most deep and competitive room I have had since back at Alabama,” Jackson said. “The guys have been teaching me, answering any questions I have. It’s definitely special.” Jackson is coming off a 2023 season in which he recorded 37 tackles and an interception for the Bears. Despite missing time with injuries in each of the past three seasons, Jackson is still sure of what he can bring to the table in Baltimore with this new group as the Ravens look to make a Super Bowl run. “I can still go out there compete and fly around,” Jackson said. “I can come in and contribute to a team and I know the type of person I am off the field as well. I just want to show that to everyone around the league.” View the full article

The Ravens gambled by signing fourth-year wide receiver Rashod Bateman to a three-year, $15 million contract extension in April, and there are days at practice when it makes sense. Bateman, a first-round pick in the 2021 draft, had a strong performance during the second day of training camp in Owings Mills on Monday. He had a brilliant one-handed 25-yard reception down the left sideline after beating cornerback Brandon Stephens, and later snatched a pass over the middle for a 20-yard gain. He wasn’t done. The former University of Minnesota standout went up over two defensive backs for a 15-yard reception over the middle late in the practice session. This could be the breakout season for the 6-foot-1, 197-pound Bateman. However, earlier in practice, he didn’t even attempt to catch a pass thrown his way against tight coverage. Until proven otherwise this season, he is an enigma, even though the Ravens need him to step up to form a potent receiving corps with second-year receiver Zay Flowers and tight ends Mark Andrews and Isaiah Likely. Questions on the O-line The Ravens have questions on the offensive line, not only because of physical talent, but health issues as well. Left tackle Ronnie Stanley has suffered from leg injuries the past three seasons and right tackle Patrick Mekari, possibly the most versatile performer on the front line, has struggled with back and lower leg injuries during the same time span. Right guard/tackle Daniel Faalele, in his third season out of Minnesota, looks out of place at guard because of his 6-8, 380-pound frame. He bends a lot better than he did as a rookie, but short-yardage situations on the goal line might be a problem. Regardless of how much football has changed through the years, the low man still wins in goal line situations. Ravens defensive lineman C.J. Ravenell, left, works on a pass rushing drill with Tramel Walthour, right, during the second day of Ravens training camp. (Kevin Richardson/Staff) Emphatic, unwarranted defense Lamar Jackson didn’t practice for the second straight day because of illness, but at least reporters didn’t have to listen to coach John Harbaugh talk about him possibly becoming the greatest quarterback in NFL history again. Harbaugh’s performance defending Jackson on Monday was intentional, well-scripted and unwarranted. Related Articles Baltimore Ravens | Second day of Ravens training camp 2024 | PHOTOS Baltimore Ravens | Fashion provides now-healthy Ravens WR Rashod Bateman ‘peace of mind’ while he works for bigger role Baltimore Ravens | Ravens tight end Mark Andrews enters training camp with injury behind him: ‘I feel 100%’ Baltimore Ravens | For Ravens, it’s Super Bowl or bust despite changes to roster, coaching staff Baltimore Ravens | Mike Preston’s Ravens observations on a can’t-miss play, early training camp standouts and more | COMMENTARY Catch of the day Best catch of the day belonged to rookie running back Rasheen Ali, who got a picture-perfect, over-the-shoulder 20-yard touch pass from rookie quarterback Devin Leary despite tight coverage from inside linebacker Trenton Simpson. Simpson couldn’t have covered Ali much tighter, and the second-year linebacker has performed well so far in the first two days. He has developed a good relationship with middle linebacker Roquan Smith. “I thought he had a really good day today,” Harbaugh said of Ali. “He looked good, quick, [and he] made some catches. He’s coming along nicely.” As for other running backs to keep an eye on, second-year player Owen Wright has stood out. The former Monmouth star from Bethesda runs bigger than he looks at 5-9 and 217 pounds. Humphrey looking strong Cornerback Marlon Humphrey has struggled with injuries the past two seasons, but he has put together two strong days in training camp. The Ravens have used him on both the inside and outside, and few receivers have been able to shake the eighth-year player out of Alabama. In fact, defense dominated Monday, but that’s to be expected so early in the season, especially without Jackson on the field. Ravens rookie cornerback Nate Wiggins works on a pass-catching drill during the second day of Ravens training camp. (Kevin Richardson/Staff) Impressive interceptions Nate Wiggins, the team’s first-round pick and cornerback out of Clemson, picked off a pass that he snatched out of the hands of receiver Sean Ryan. Wiggins has been impressive so far, but he still has to improve his technique. “Nate has been looking good,” Harbaugh said. “[He’s] been working on technique. Again, it’s only his second day. He made a nice play, great technique, nice and square in man coverage there, and made the pick. It was a nice play. “He actually came running right back through the middle of the field — which you’re supposed to not do that, but that is where I was standing. I was just happy that he didn’t hit me and ran around. So that was nice.” As far as interceptions, rookie defensive end Tramel Walthour had one late in practice, and the 6-3, 283-pound former Georgia lineman showed some good speed before running about 25 yards and getting out of bounds. It was a good thing for Wright, because he wanted no part of Walthour when he was running downhill. View the full article

Ravens linebacker Odafe Oweh practices shedding blockers with assistant linebacker coach Matt Robinson on the second day of Ravens training camp. (Kevin Richardson/Staff) Ravens rookie cornerback Nate Wiggins works on pass catching drill during the second day of Ravens training camp. (Kevin Richardson/Staff) Ravens defensive lineman Travis Jones, #98, works on pass rushing drill as defensive line coach Dennis Johnson, left, looks on during the second day of Ravens training camp. (Kevin Richardson/Staff) Ravens linebacker Odafe Oweh practices shedding blockers with assistant linebacker coach Matt Robinson on the second day of Ravens training camp. (Kevin Richardson/Staff) Ravens rookie cornerback Nate Wiggins works on pass rushing drill as coach Chuck Smith looks on during the second day of Ravens training camp. (Kevin Richardson/Staff) Ravens defensive lineman C.J. Ravenell, left, works on pass rushing drill with Tramel Walthour, right, during the second day of Ravens training camp. (Kevin Richardson/Staff) Ravens defensive coordinator Zach Orr shouts instructions during the second day of Ravens training camp.(Kevin Richardson/Staff) Ravens new defensive line coach Dennis Johnson shouts instructions during the second day of Ravens training camp.(Kevin Richardson/Staff) Ravens rookie safety Beau Blade works on pass rushing drill during the second day of Ravens training camp. (Kevin Richardson/Staff) Ravens safety Eddie Jackson speaks to the media after practice on the second day of Ravens training camp. (Kevin Richardson/Staff) Ravens running back Derrick Henry speaks to the media after practice on the second day of Ravens training camp. (Kevin Richardson/Staff) Ravens linebacker Odafe Oweh speaks to the media after practice on the second day of Ravens training camp. (Kevin Richardson/Staff) View the full article

“The foot is healed, and it’s not a problem anymore, thank God.” — Ravens wide receiver Rashod Bateman That wasn’t always the case for the enigmatic former first round draft pick, which perhaps explains why he has a LinkedIn page, titling himself “Creative at Without Lords.” Under the “about” section, he lists: Receiver for Baltimore Ravens Owner-Without Lords Owner-Without Musik In the “experience” section, it reads: Clothing Designer-Without Lords-Full time. There was a time when most NFL players held jobs in the offseason to supplement their income. But that was decades ago, long before Bateman signed a two-year contract extension worth nearly $13 million this offseason (though former Baltimore safety Matt Elam was once a shoe salesman at Finish Line in the offseason because he was interested in owning a sports retail store). Bateman’s interest in other endeavors, meanwhile, stems from his love of fashion beginning at a young age combined with the scare of an uncertain future after injuries, including Lisfranc surgery on his left foot, derailed most of his first two seasons in the league. “Just having another outlet helps me with peace of mind,” Bateman told The Baltimore Sun. “When I got hurt, I didn’t know what it was gonna look like so I started to go really hard at [fashion]. It’s very important to me.” Which is why he says he decided this offseason to launch his own clothing line with a small group of close friends, including former University of Minnesota teammate Demetrius Douglas, who gave up football during the pandemic in 2020 and eventually turned to studying fashion. It’s also why Bateman spent part of his offseason — when he wasn’t training in the heat of Phoenix summer working out what he said was “three, four times a day every day” — at fashion week in Paris. The trip was coincidental, but it provided inspiration as much it did an opportunity to escape and unplug from social media, a chance to “get away” as Bateman told The Sun, for the often polarizing but gifted pass catcher Ravens fans are still waiting to break out. Bateman, now entering his fourth NFL season, put up his best numbers as a rookie in 2021 — an at-best pedestrian 46 catches for 515 yards. In 2023, he played essentially a full season (he was inactive for one game), for the first time but still finished with just 32 catches for 367 yards and a single touchdown. For his career, Bateman has just four touchdown catches. “It was a whole mental up and down for the past couple years,” Ravens wide receiver Rashod Bateman said. “I’m definitely better now.” (Amy Davis/Staff) In addition to his foot injury, which lingered into last summer, he also struggled mentally in the wake of the death of his grandmother in January of last year, followed shortly thereafter by the trauma of a teenage cousin who killed himself not long after finishing high school. “It was a whole mental up and down for the past couple years,” Bateman said an interview with the team’s website earlier this offseason. “I’m definitely better now.” Related Articles Baltimore Ravens | Mike Preston’s Ravens observations on Rashod Bateman’s up-and-down day, O-line questions and more | COMMENTARY Baltimore Ravens | Second day of Ravens training camp 2024 | PHOTOS Baltimore Ravens | Ravens tight end Mark Andrews enters training camp with injury behind him: ‘I feel 100%’ Baltimore Ravens | For Ravens, it’s Super Bowl or bust despite changes to roster, coaching staff Baltimore Ravens | Mike Preston’s Ravens observations on a can’t-miss play, early training camp standouts and more | COMMENTARY He said the trials and tribulations also made him stronger, and he added in the same interview that he didn’t do enough in practices last season to earn the trust of new offensive coordinator Todd Monken, who said this offseason that injuries were also a concern early in the year. A lack of trust perhaps also explains his disconnect with quarterback and eventual NFL Most Valuable Player Lamar Jackson last season. Despite being open often, Bateman was targeted just 56 times in 2023, with only four games in which Jackson targeted him at least five times. His season high for receiving yards was 54 against the Miami Dolphins in Week 16, and in two playoff games he had just four catches for 41 yards on six targets, including just one catch for 2 yards in a 17-10 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC championship game at M&T Bank Stadium. Still, the Ravens are bullish on the 24-year-old, who also had one of the best separation marks in the league last year, according to Pro Football Focus. In the offseason, with one year left on the receiver’s rookie contract, general manager Eric DeCosta signed him to a two-year extension, a move that surprised even Bateman. Coach John Harbaugh said that he expects the receiver will “take a big step” in 2024 and that Bateman is “expected to be a top receiver in the league for us.” “I expect a tremendous year [from] him,” Monken added. “We certainly could have found a way to get him the ball more.” Yet, the timing between Jackson and Bateman has yet to align, even early in 2024. When Bateman was at some of the voluntary organized team activities in the spring, Jackson was not. When Jackson was there, Bateman was not. And while both were in attendance for last month’s three-day mandatory minicamp, Jackson often threw elsewhere during the practices, with Bateman at times becoming frustrated before he saw an increase of targets and catches on the final afternoon. Sunday, Bateman was on the field for the first day of training camp, but Jackson was out sick. Jackson was still absent Monday, though Bateman had some nice plays on the rainy afternoon, including plucking one underthrown deep ball off the grass. He made the grabs in a new pair of gold cleats he’s been sporting, a nod to his personal style and the product of shoe artist Salvatore Marcum, whose payment from Bateman has been helpful for the designer’s ongoing cancer treatments. “Obviously, this year is different than last year,” Bateman said. “I’m healthy, 100%, and that’s all I can say about it. I don’t really want to keep talking about my injuries. It’s past me. That’s the past now, so we’re onto bigger and better things now. “It’s not about me. I need to do what’s best for this team — whatever that is [and] whatever my role is. I expect my role to be bigger, and I’m ready to take on that role.” What does he feel he needs to do in order to fulfill that promise? “Continue to stay healthy,” Bateman said, “and I’ve just got to go out and show consistency, so Lamar can trust me, so the team can trust me, so Todd Monken can trust me. “I feel good. I feel good.” View the full article

This offseason was different for Ravens tight end Mark Andrews. After missing eight games last season with a severe ankle injury, he said he didn’t feel like himself again until late March or early April. He took up Pilates as he searched for unique ways to get back into form. His 11 games in 2023 were his fewest as a pro as the veteran dealt with the first long-term injury of his career. The Ravens fared fine in his absence, but the void he left was obvious. Now Andrews, recuperated from the injury, enters his seventh training camp armed with a fresh perspective but the same optimism. “I feel 100%,” Andrews said. “A lot better than I ever have.” Andrews’ early months of the offseason were spent rehabilitating. He suffered the ankle injury in Week 10, had surgery soon after and returned for the Ravens’ home AFC championship game about two months later, a turnaround Andrews now acknowledges was quick and difficult. He caught just two passes for 15 yards in that loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. Football was put on hold in February and March. Stabilization and balance exercises took up most of the 28-year-old’s time instead. It was a family effort to get Andrews back into playing shape — he ran routes while his brother covered him and his father fed a ball machine. Finally, the eventual return to the field gave him the feeling he longed for. “For me to be able to go through the offseason and go through a training session and feel incredible, be flying around and have the next day and be able to do it again,” Andrews said, “that was a great feeling.” Most of the supporting cast around Andrews is the same as last season. It’s the second year under offensive coordinator Todd Monken. Wide receivers Zay Flowers and Rashod Bateman, who said his foot is no longer ailing him and that he feels more comfortable than ever, are back on the outside. Quarterback Lamar Jackson, who missed the first full team practice of training camp Sunday after he was sent home with an illness, will reconnect with his favorite target. The addition of running back Derrick Henry gives defenses even more to prepare for. Andrews, similar to his fellow pass catchers, hardly flashed Sunday in an uneventful first day of camp with Josh Johnson and Devin Leary throwing passes. Andrews managed to make a few grabs in the full team portion of practice, but his best will come when Jackson returns. “It’s only going to evolve more and more as guys get comfortable,” Andrews said. “As always in Year 2, after having an offense and learning it, things are new. You’re trying to figure out who you are as an identity. I think right now we’ve got a really clear picture of what we want to be and how we want to operate.” Perhaps the lone positive that sprouted out of Andrews’ absence was the emergence of Isaiah Likely as the Ravens’ top tight end over the final few weeks of the regular season. The Ravens’ Isaiah Likely hauls in a touchdown pass over the Texans Derek Stingley Jr. in the fourth quarter of their divisional playoff game at M&T Bank Stadium. (Jerry Jackson/Staff photo) Likely started a career-high eight games and posted 411 receiving yards and five touchdowns, both career bests. That’s despite finishing with fewer targets and catches than his rookie campaign in 2022, which is largely because of his nonexistent role before Andrews’ injury. Related Articles Baltimore Ravens | For Ravens, it’s Super Bowl or bust despite changes to roster, coaching staff Baltimore Ravens | Mike Preston’s Ravens observations on a can’t-miss play, early training camp standouts and more | COMMENTARY Baltimore Ravens | Ravens first day of training camp 2024 | PHOTOS Baltimore Ravens | Ravens QB Lamar Jackson sent home from first full training camp practice with illness Baltimore Ravens | Ravens 53-man roster projection: Which spots are up for grabs entering training camp? From then on, Likely was a focal point in the offense. He scored five touchdowns and averaged 56 yards per game over the last five weeks of the regular season. He caught a touchdown pass in the Ravens’ divisional round playoff win over the Houston Texans. The 2022 fourth-round draft pick’s snap counts jumped from an average of 27% over the first 10 games to more than 70% with Andrews sidelined. Now entering his third training camp, Likely proved he’s capable. Seeing both tight ends on the field together might still be a rare occurrence. The Ravens decreased their usage of two tight end sets last season in Monken’s first campaign and instead relied on one tight end packages much more than Baltimore did under Greg Roman. That might not change — Monken’s system produced prolific numbers and Jackson’s second NFL Most Valuable Player Award. Still, Likely showed that it would be a tantalizing thought. The Ravens have the next few weeks to tinker with the possibility as they seek a postseason breakthrough in a season with high expectations. “I’m excited to see what it looks like,” Bateman said. “I’m kinda like everyone else, I’m just excited to watch.” View the full article

The fields are lush and green with freshly painted white lines marking each yard. Even the synthetic putting surface near the front door of the Ravens’ facility in Owings Mills got a makeover with new turf. While quarterback Lamar Jackson was out sick for the first day of training camp on Sunday, hope and promise are still in full bloom for Baltimore, coach John Harbaugh and his players. “Now it’s legit; now they have to be here,” Harbaugh said Sunday as the Ravens held their first full team practice of the new year. “I think everybody’s focus does dial in a little bit more — a lot more — because the time is at hand, the schedule is front of us, the countdown’s begun and we’re getting ready for something we’re about to embark on.” The beginning of training camp marks the start of a six-week sojourn to the 2024 NFL season and the Ravens’ prime-time opener against the two-time defending Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium on Sept. 5. The sting of last season’s loss to the Chiefs in the AFC championship game at M&T Bank Stadium has mostly healed. The stench that lingered over the city from an underwhelming, mistake-filled performance has dissipated, replaced by a wave of change that has swept through the roster and within the organization. Gone are wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr., outside linebacker Jadeveon Clowney, Pro Bowl inside linebacker Patrick Queen, safety Geno Stone and longtime running backs J.K. Dobbins and Gus Edwards, along with three starting offensive linemen and several other contributors who signed elsewhere in free agency during the offseason. The coaching staff, meanwhile, saw the departure of whiz kid defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald, now the coach of the Seattle Seahawks, as well as several key assistants, including former defensive line coach Anthony Weaver and former defensive backs coach Dennard Wilson. The front office wasn’t immune, either, with former director of player personnel Joe Hortiz now the general manager of the Los Angeles Chargers. He helped hire Harbaugh’s younger brother, Jim, as coach after he led is alma mater, Michigan, to the College Football Playoff national championship last season. Despite all that turnover, the expectation remains the same for the Ravens, both in their building and around the NFL: Super Bowl or bust. “There is a significant amount of change,” Harbaugh said. “Certainly more coaches than you normally see. That’s part of how it works. … We embrace it. We embrace opportunity on the coaching staff side for these guys to move up in these positions … and then embrace it as players, too. … I like our guys. I’m very optimistic they’ll do very well.” Chief among them of course is Jackson, who last season, at age 27, became the youngest player to be named the NFL’s Most Valuable Player twice. Jackson led Baltimore to a league best 13-4 regular-season record and the brink of the organization’s first Super Bowl appearance in over a decade while also boasting career highs in passing yards and completion percentage. The Ravens also made a free agent splash this offseason, adding former All-Pro running back Derrick Henry, who was the NFL’s Offensive Player of the Year in 2020. The former Tennessee Titans star has twice led the league in rushing yards and rushing touchdowns and is a four-time Pro Bowl selection, including last year. And after Baltimore’s defense last season became the first in history to lead the league in sacks, turnovers and points allowed per game, it returns All-Pro talent at every level in defensive tackle Justin Madubuike, inside linebacker Roquan Smith and do-it-all safety Kyle Hamilton, among other key pieces. Still, for all of Baltimore’s talent, a cloud continues to hover. The Ravens are just 2-4 in the playoffs with Jackson as their quarterback, and his postseason performances have been pockmarked by subpar play. That includes last year’s playoffs, when he struggled in the first half of a divisional round game against the Houston Texans and then fell flat against the Chiefs, throwing just one touchdown pass while being intercepted once, fumbling once and being sacked three times. Kansas City went on to win, 17-10, and this season will try to become the first team to win three straight Super Bowls while Jackson and the Ravens were left wondering again why they couldn’t even get there. Unsurprisingly, the bulk of the criticism fell on Jackson, who is entering his seventh year in the league. Ravens running back Derrick Henry signs autographs for children from Ronald McDonald House Charities who came to watch the first day of training camp Sunday. (Amy Davis/Staff) Sunday, Harbaugh went out of his way to defend the quarterback, launching into a nearly four-minute long counterattack. “They used to tell you don’t read your press clippings … we don’t really have press clippings anymore, we have phones and computers. … I do flip them through them, I read the stuff, I see the guys say what they say on the shows,” he said. “The good ones, I just scroll past because that’s just candy. The bad ones … I read it right away. I don’t let it go. “And Lamar, for whatever reason, there’s a lot of great things said about Lamar but there’s a lot of stuff that’s said you just gotta scratch your head and gotta wonder what’s that person’s even thinking. We take it personally. Lamar’s a guy, all his life Lamar Jackson is a guy who’s been answering those same questions. I’m talking about since he was a kid; junior high, high school, college, the draft, the success he’s had in the National Football League and it still comes up.” For Ravens fans, though, only a Super Bowl will do at this point. “We’ve always had a vision for Lamar Jackson,” Harbaugh continued. “It started with Lamar’s vision and his mom’s vision when he said he was gonna be a quarterback. … We bought in into that. We embraced it. We built an offense for it in [2019]. We’re building another offense for it in ’23 and ’24. “The vision … you see it like it’s already happened, you can see it like it’s already been done. The victory has already been won when you’re pouring into a vision and the vision that we have together is that Lamar Jackson is going to become and be known and be recognized as the greatest quarterback in the history of the National Football League. It’s gonna happen.” For that to happen, however, Jackson must lead the Ravens to the sport’s ultimate game. Only once have the Ravens even reached the AFC title game with Jackson at the helm. But there are reasons for optimism. Related Articles Baltimore Ravens | Ravens tight end Mark Andrews enters training camp with injury behind him: ‘I feel 100%’ Baltimore Ravens | Mike Preston’s Ravens observations on a can’t-miss play, early training camp standouts and more | COMMENTARY Baltimore Ravens | Ravens first day of training camp 2024 | PHOTOS Baltimore Ravens | Ravens QB Lamar Jackson sent home from first full training camp practice with illness Baltimore Ravens | Ravens 53-man roster projection: Which spots are up for grabs entering training camp? Notably, Jackson is in his second year under offensive coordinator Todd Monken and will have greater input and control. His top receiver from last year, Zay Flowers, was one of the league’s best rookies in 2023. There is the addition of Henry, who, even at age 30, is the best back Jackson has ever played with. There is dependable and tight end Mark Andrews, who is healthy again after missing the final seven games of the regular season last year because of an ankle injury, as well as the emergence of fellow tight end Isaiah Likely. There is a defensive system that has consistently been one of the league’s best even through recent roster turnover. And there is Jackson, who for all his playoff struggles remains one of the game’s most dynamic, electric and talented players at any position. “He’s the most special player in the world,” Andrews said. “There is no one else like him. He’s the best quarterback in the NFL, and he continues to show why he’s labeled that. “He’s our captain, our leader, and we all look to him.” As usual, so will everyone else until he brings the Lombardi Trophy back to Baltimore. View the full article

Assuming second-year Ravens offensive coordinator Todd Monken won’t mind a possible play suggestion or two, maybe he should go visit some of the old Green Bay Packers film of the 1960’s. Remember the old Green Bay sweep, in which they would pull both guards, Jerry Kramer and Fuzzy Thurston, out in front of the running back and get around the right end? Well, the Ravens should have a similar play with new power back Derrick Henry. They could go pro right with swing lineman Patrick Mekari as the tight end and then toss to Henry, with 300-pound fullback Patrick Ricard as the lead blocker. No opposing team wants to see that, especially with the lightweight cornerbacks in the league these days. Once the 247-pound Henry squares his shoulder pads at the line of scrimmage, it’s good night. The Ravens could work the angle blocks and get big production with that play. I only have a few words for Coach Monken: “Oh, c’mon, man.” Jackson out Quarterback Lamar Jackson was absent from the first full team practice of training camp Sunday. According to coach John Harbaugh, Jackson became ill during meetings Saturday and was sent home shortly afterward. It’s only Day 1 of camp, so it was no big deal, except for the fans who came out to see the reigning NFL Most Valuable Player. There were a couple of fumbled exchanges by the quarterbacks throughout practice, but that’s to be expected, especially with backup Josh Johnson taking most of the repetitions with the first team and Devin Leary, the rookie from Kentucky, working with the second unit. Calling it now It’s way too early to make predictions, but I will do it anyway. The bet here is that second-year player Andrew Vorhees starts at left guard unless he struggles in the preseason. Vorhees has a nice base, good lateral movement and takes up a lot of space with his 6-foot-6, 320-pound frame. The former Southern California standout is explosive off the ball and seems to have filled up in the upper body after missing all of last season with a torn ACL. The Ravens gambled and picked Vorhees in the seventh round of the 2023 NFL draft. Tight end trio? The Ravens are in a good position having to get tight ends Mark Andrews and Isaiah Likely on the field at the same time. Both are explosive, but Likely can make opposing tacklers miss. Both can be used on the outside as receivers, even though Likely’s vertical leap could cause more matchup problems on the outside. The Ravens also have third-year tight end Charlie Kolar to work with, even though he doesn’t have as much of a downfield presence. It appears Ricard could do some heavy lifting again as a tight end or H-back, but he looked good running and as a receiver Sunday. Likely, as usual, had the catch of the day, beating cornerback Brandon Stephens down the left sideline on a back-shoulder fade. Actually, the pass was just chucked up by Johnson, but Likely adjusted and made a great play. Nice catch The second best reception of the day belonged to rookie receiver Dayton Wade, a free agent out of Mississippi, who hauled in a 47-yard pass despite being smothered by cornerback Bump Cooper Jr., an undrafted rookie from Oregon State. It’s only one day into camp, but coaches keep notes on plays like the one Wade made. Flowers blossoming I just like watching second-year player Zay Flowers because he keeps doing all the right things that indicates he wants to be a great receiver. Long before the team was on the field for practice, Flowers was out stretching and going through other routines. His hand placement is better than a year ago, and he is always the first in line for drills, even ahead of 10-year veteran Nelson Agholor. That’s impressive stuff. Wiggins watch I like when people ask me if rookie cornerback Nate Wiggins, the Ravens’ first-round pick out of Clemson in April, will get much playing time this season. Is water wet? Is the sky blue? Does a cow give milk? He might be small at 6-1 and 182 pounds, but the kid has great speed and acceleration, which translates into good recovery ability. The Ravens will find a way to get him playing time, especially if they move cornerback Marlon Humphrey inside over the slot or near the line of scrimmage, which is a better position for him. The X-factor in this could be the development of third-year cornerback Jalyn Armour-Davis. The 2022 fourth-round pick has played reasonably well in previous training camps, but he can’t stay healthy. If he plays up to expectations, though, that gives the Ravens a major advantage at a position that has been hit hard by injuries in recent seasons. 1-on-1 matchup Stephens has the same confidence as Flowers. A year ago, he didn’t know whether he was going to play cornerback or safety. Now he’s a starting corner. Stephens was very physical in practice and wasn’t backing off receivers in press coverage, an area he struggled in early last season. He had no problems getting in the face of receiver Rashod Bateman. Bateman also had some nice receptions Sunday but did have a big fumble on a quick slant. The fourth-year receiver needs to have a big season, especially after the Ravens signed him to a three-year, $15 million contract extension on April 24. Related Articles Baltimore Ravens | Ravens first day of training camp 2024 | PHOTOS Baltimore Ravens | Ravens QB Lamar Jackson sent home from first full training camp practice with illness Baltimore Ravens | Ravens 53-man roster projection: Which spots are up for grabs entering training camp? Baltimore Ravens | Shaq Barrett, Baltimore native and 2-time Super Bowl champion, retires Baltimore Ravens | Pressure? Ravens DT Justin Madubuike says ‘they haven’t seen nothing yet.’ Defensive line shaping up Fifth-year defensive tackle Justin Madubuike looks bigger in the lower half of his body but still has great explosion off the ball. He makes a difference in the pass rush because the Ravens finally have a strong inside presence. Nose tackle Michael Pierce should have a good season as well. The only players on the front line with question marks are tackle Broderick Washington and outside linebacker David Ojabo. Washington disappeared in games last season and didn’t get much pressure as a pass rusher. As for Ojabo, who has spent the past two seasons recovering from injuries, it’s hard to tell where he fits in as a run stopper or pass rusher. At least he’s participating in team drills to start camp. Good idea Harbaugh said he spoke to the team recently about visions and standards, and the need to raise the standards. After the Ravens failed to beat the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC title game here in Baltimore last season, it was the appropriate topic. View the full article

From left, ILB Deion Jennings #56, ILB Josh Ross #51 and Joe Evans #48 watch a drill on the first day of Ravens training camp. (Amy Davis/Staff) Cornerback Nate Wiggins #2 and defensive back Christian Matthew #45 watch a drill on the first day of Ravens training camp. (Amy Davis/Staff) Ravens wide receiver Rashod Bateman during practice on the first day of Ravens training camp. (Amy Davis/Staff) Ravens wide receiver Rashod Bateman during practice on the first day of Ravens training camp. (Amy Davis/Staff) Ravens wide receiver Zay Flowers during practice on the first day of Ravens training camp. (Amy Davis/Staff) Mark Williams of Baltimore City, in front, watches the first day of Ravens training camp with other fans. Behind him, his wife Crystal Williams holds a fan in an attempt to stay cool, seated between other members of the family, from left, Makenzie, 4, Makayla, 15, and Khari, 4, clapping at right. (Amy Davis/Staff) Ravens wide receiver Rashod Bateman speaks to the media after practice on the first day of Ravens training camp. (Amy Davis/Staff) Ravens head coach John Harbaugh speaks to the media after practice on the first day of Ravens training camp. (Amy Davis/Staff) Ravens wide receiver Zay Flowers speaks to the media after practice on the first day of Ravens training camp. (Amy Davis/Staff) July 21, 2024: After practice Ravens running back Derrick Henry, #22, signs autographs for children from Ronald McDonald House Charities who came to watch the first day of Ravens training camp. (Amy Davis/Staff) View the full article

Ravens training camp got off to an inauspicious start Sunday with quarterback Lamar Jackson absent for the first full team practice. Jackson, the reigning NFL Most Valuable Player, was sent home with an illness. He had been at practice earlier in the week with quarterbacks having reported on Monday. Last season, Jackson had career highs in passing yards and completion percentage and led Baltimore to the AFC championship game before becoming the youngest player at age 27 to be named MVP of the league twice. The Ravens will open their season Sept. 5 against the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium in a rematch of last year’s AFC title game at M&T Bank Stadium. This story will be updated. View the full article

A lot can, and likely will, happen between the start of Ravens training camp and the end of it just over a month from now. Injuries are inevitable. Some players who are expected to be significant contributors might struggle, while other, lesser-known ones could surprise and even shine. Decisions will have to be made, most notably about the three open starting offensive line jobs and the backup roles behind them. Questions also need answered at wide receiver and elsewhere on the roster. The coming days and weeks will be revelatory. On Aug. 27, NFL rosters need to be cut from 90 to 53 players. Here’s a look at how the Ravens’ final roster could end up looking: Quarterback (2) Lamar Jackson, Josh Johnson They key here is a rule change that allows a team’s No. 3 emergency quarterback on game days to come from the practice squad. There’s also no limit to the number of times said quarterback can be promoted. Last year, the Ravens carried three quarterbacks for most of the year, but with former backup Tyler Huntley now on the Cleveland Browns, the 38-year-old Johnson the clear No. 2 and the rule change, it seems unlikely Baltimore would burn an active roster spot on a third quarterback — unless sixth-round draft pick Devin Leary impresses in training camp. Running back (3) Derrick Henry, Justice Hill, Rasheen Ali Thanks to another rule change, teams can place up to two players on injured reserve who are designated to return when trimming their rosters to 53. Expect Keaton Mitchell, who suffered a torn ACL in mid-December, to be one of them, with his return not likely until later in the season. Meanwhile, Henry, the Ravens’ splashy free agent addition, will be the lead back, with Hill a nice change-of-pace option and dependable pass protector spelling him. Ali, a rookie fifth-rounder who struggled with fumbles at Marshall, will get a chance this summer to show off his speed and will need to hang onto the ball or risk the Ravens possibly turning to the veteran free agent market. Ravens wide receiver Zay Flowers makes a catch during a drill at OTAs at the Under Armour Performance Center in May. (Kim Hairston/Staff) Wide receiver (6) Zay Flowers, Rashod Bateman, Nelson Agholor, Devontez Walker, Deonte Harty, Tylan Wallace This is the group that will have the most compelling battles this summer. The top three spots on the depth chart are set between Flowers, Bateman and Agholor. The same is probably true for the fourth spot with Walker, a rookie fourth-round pick with big-time vertical speed. After that is where things get interesting. Harty, a Baltimore native, has experience as a receiver and a returner. Wallace has been a special teams stalwart and delivered one of the biggest plays of last season with a game-winning punt return against the Los Angeles Rams. Second-year receiver Sean Ryan out of Rutgers spent last year on the practice squad and had a solid spring. Quarterback-turned-receiver Malik Cunningham is an intriguing possibility who has transitioned well so far. The Ravens kept six receivers last year and that will likely be the case again. Related Articles Baltimore Ravens | Shaq Barrett, Baltimore native and 2-time Super Bowl champion, retires Baltimore Ravens | Pressure? Ravens DT Justin Madubuike says ‘they haven’t seen nothing yet.’ Baltimore Ravens | Six things to watch at Ravens training camp, including Lamar Jackson, Derrick Henry and Zach Orr Baltimore Ravens | Ravens sign veteran safety Eddie Jackson to one-year deal, bolstering depth ahead of training camp Baltimore Ravens | 10 things to know about AFC North and rest of NFL as Ravens training camp begins Tight end/fullback (4) Mark Andrews, Isaiah Likely, Charlie Kolar, Patrick Ricard The only question among this group is how often Baltimore will feature Andrews and Likely on the field at the same time. It will be worth watching, and the expectation is it will be more than last year, which wasn’t very often. Outside of quarterback, this is also the Ravens’ best position group. Offensive line (10) Ronnie Stanley, Tyler Linderbaum, Patrick Mekari, Roger Rosengarten, Andrew Vorhees, Josh Jones, Daniel Faalele, Malaesala Aumavae-Laulu, Ben Cleveland, Nick Samac Baltimore is in good shape with a suddenly fit and spry Stanley at left tackle and Linderbaum, who was selected to the Pro Bowl last season, at center. Beyond that are question marks. Second-round pick Roger Rosengarten out of Washington could start at right tackle, or the Ravens could opt to go with Daniel Faalele or veteran Josh Jones, who has played every position except center in his career, if the rookie doesn’t look ready. Faalele is also in the mix at right guard, along with Aumavae-Laulu and Cleveland. Vorhees, meanwhile, has a shot at the starting left guard job after sitting out his rookie year because of a torn ACL during the 2023 scouting combine, but Jones could also factor in there. Samac, a seventh-round pick from Michigan State, figures to compete for a backup role at center in the wake of Sam Mustipher’s free agency departure. Mekari can play anywhere along the line, which is one of the reasons the Ravens would prefer to keep him in his usual rotational fill-in role. Defensive line (5) Justin Madubuike, Michael Pierce, Broderick Washington, Travis Jones, Brent Urban Much like the tight ends, this group is fairly set. The biggest question is whether Jones takes a big leap forward in terms of snaps and, therefore, production. The 2022 third-round pick has drawn praise for his steady improvement, but he’s played just 35% and 39% of the team’s defensive snaps, respectively, over his first two seasons. Otherwise, these five spots should be locks. Trenton Simpson is expected to move into a starting inside linebacker spot for the Ravens following Patrick Queen’s departure. (Amy Davis/Staff photo) Inside linebacker (4) Roquan Smith, Trenton Simpson, Malik Harrison, Chris Board Harrison can play outside or inside and gives the Ravens more depth, if needed, behind Simpson, who moves into a starting role with Patrick Queen now in Pittsburgh. Board essentially replaces Del’Shawn Phillips, last year’s leader in special teams snaps who played sparingly on defense. Josh Ross has appeared in only five games over his two seasons in Baltimore and only on special teams. Outside linebacker (5) Odafe Oweh, Kyle Van Noy, David Ojabo, Tavius Robinson, Adisa Isaac Health and production are two big concerns among this group. Ojabo is still working his way back from last year’s torn ACL. A hamstring injury suffered in rookie minicamp has landed Isaac, a third-round pick out of Penn State, on the non-football injury list. Oweh has just 13 sacks across three seasons and has never had more than five in a year. Van Noy is coming off a career-high nine sacks, but he turned 33 in March and no longer has Jadeveon Clowney (now with the Carolina Panthers) as a running mate on the outside. Malik Hamm has potential, but it’s a crowded room. Cornerback (7) Marlon Humphrey, Brandon Stephens, Nate Wiggins, Arthur Maulet, T.J. Tampa, Jalyn Armour-Davis, Damarion “Pepe” Williams Injuries always seem to be a concern among this group, which is why it’s likely Baltimore will again go with seven cornerbacks to begin the season. Williams played just one game last season and spent most of the year on injured reserve because of an ankle injury. Armour-Davis appeared in eight games but was sidelined with a hip injury. Ka’Dar Hollman and Tre Swilling could factor in, though Swilling got snaps at safety in the spring. Lamar Jackson’s cousin, Trayvon Mullen, who missed all of last season with a toe injury, figures to be a longshot to make the roster. Safety (4) Marcus Williams, Kyle Hamilton, Eddie Jackson, Ar’Darius Washington Jackson, a two-time Pro Bowl selection with the Chicago Bears who signed with the Ravens on Friday, figures to be the top option to replace Geno Stone as the third safety. Though Washington played in the slot last year before suffering a chest injury that kept him out for much of the season, his versatility and experience likely give him the edge over seventh-round rookie Sanoussi Kane and undrafted free agent and former Maryland and River Hill High standout Beau Brade. Special teams (3) Justin Tucker, Jordan Stout, Nick Moore Moore is back after suffering a torn Achilles tendon last summer. Tucker and Stout have the kicker and punter jobs locked down, so the only potential drama that exists revolves around the new kickoff rules and whether the Ravens will perhaps try Stout as a kickoff specialist. View the full article

MIAMI — Shaquil Barrett, a two-time Pro Bowl selection who was expected to log significant playing time for the Miami Dolphins while their two starting outside linebackers recover from injuries, delivered stunning news Saturday when he announced his retirement at age 31. His exit — three days before the start of training camp — leaves Miami without a healthy veteran outside linebacker on its roster. “It’s time for me to hang it up,” Barrett said in a statement on Instagram. “It’s been a great ride and I appreciate everything that came with it over the years. I’m ready to shift my full focus to my wife and kids and helping them realize [their] dreams and catch ’em. “Anyone who caught their dreams before know the work, time and consistency required to reach them. I’m ready to start building them skills up in my kids, which will take 100% commitment. [I know] to some it’ll be a surprise but I’ve been thinking about this for a while and the decision has never been more clear than it is now.” In April 2023, Barrett’s 2-year-old daughter, Arrayah, drowned in a swimming pool at the family’s home in the Beach Park neighborhood in south Tampa, Florida. Barrett and his wife, Jordanna, have three other children. A Baltimore native, Barrett played for the rec-league Charm City Buccaneers at Leon Day Park and later at City College until 2008, when he left to go to Boys Town High, a private boarding school in Omaha, Nebraska. He started his college career at Nebraska-Omaha, but the school dropped its football program after his freshman year, so he transferred to Colorado State. Barrett started three seasons for the Rams and recorded a Mountain West Conference-record 20 1/2 tackles for loss as a senior. “Growing up in Baltimore is an experience I wouldn’t take back or trade for anything,” he told The Baltimore Sun in February 2021. “It’s dog-eat-dog. You’ve got to grow up fast. When you’re in Baltimore, that’s normal, just part of the culture there. It makes you tough-skinned. … It makes you focus on yourself and not let too much outside criticism bring you down or too much outside positivity take you up. You’ve got to stay even-keeled through everything.” Even with Barrett, the Dolphins already were thin at outside linebacker because starters Jaelan Phillips and Bradley Chubb are recovering from major injuries and will begin training camp on the physically unable to perform list. The Dolphins figure to be able to recoup Barrett’s $5.5 million signing bonus because he never played a down for the team after signing a one-year deal that could have been worth up to $9 million with incentives. Miami also could get back $7 million in cap space; the Dolphins currently have $12 million in cap space, per Over The Cap. Undrafted out of Colorado State, Barrett finished his career with 59 sacks, 22 forced fumbles, 400 tackles and 73 tackles for loss in nine seasons — the first five with the Broncos and the past four with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The two-time Super Bowl champion was a Pro Bowl selection in 2019 and 2021 and a second-team All Pro in 2019. He led the NFL with 19 1/2 sacks in 2019, his first with Tampa Bay after leaving Denver to sign a one-year deal with the Buccaneers. Barrett had 52 tackles (including three for loss) and 4 1/2 sacks, an interception and three forced fumbles in 16 games for Tampa Bay last season, all starts. Pro Football Focus ranked Barrett 42nd among 112 edge defenders last season. He played in only eight games in 2022 because of a torn Achilles tendon suffered in Week 8, but he had 10 sacks in 15 games 2021. After that season, he was ranked 86th by his fellow players on the NFL’s Top 100. He was released by Tampa Bay on Feb. 24, three years into a four-year, $72 million contract extension. Baltimore Sun staff contributed to this article. ©2024 Miami Herald. Visit miamiherald.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. View the full article

Ravens middle linebacker Roquan Smith was fresh off trips to Paris, Barcelona and Germany because, in the words of Baltimore’s perhaps most curious mind, “why not.” Defensive lineman Justin Madubuike, meanwhile, chose to stick with a more familiar environ, opting for a gym in Atlanta, where he trained alongside outside linebackers Odafe Oweh and David Ojabo, among others. The offseason is over now, though. Veterans reported to Owings Mills on Saturday for training camp ahead of Baltimore’s first full-team practice set for Sunday afternoon. Last season, the Ravens’ defense became the first in the modern era to lead the league in sacks, takeaways and points allowed per game, so what could they do for an encore? “I think we can be better,” Smith said. “It starts in training camp, day in and day out. Everybody’s excited early on and I know we got the mindset of guys pushing through adversity when we face that, but I love the pieces that we have here.” None might be more important than Madubuike. The 2020 third-round draft pick out of Texas A&M, who has steadily improved in each of his first four seasons in the NFL, is used to applying pressure. His 13 sacks last season led all interior linemen in the league. But now, he’s the one facing it. That’s the string attached to the four-year, $98 million contract extension he signed in the offseason. The deal makes him the third-highest paid player at his position, behind only Kansas City Chiefs star Chris Jones and 2019 13th overall pick Christian Wilkins, who signed with the Las Vegas Raiders in the offseason. Los Angeles Rams superstar Aaron Donald, the gold standard for interior linemen, retired in March. The weight of such a hefty contract isn’t lost on Madubuike. “Teams are gonna definitely be blocking me different … they’re gonna try to slow me down,” the 26-year-old said. “So you could say pressure in terms of pressure from myself, to stay polished and stay focused and stay better than last year. That’s the only pressure I feel.” It’s why Madubuike spent the offseason working on what he called the “little pebbles” that add up over the course of a long season, particularly when the expectation is the Super Bowl. He didn’t get specific on his goals, other than to say that he expects to reach double digits in sacks again after tallying one, two and 5 1/2 his first three seasons, respectively, before a breakout 2023 that landed him his first Pro Bowl selection. Most important, he said, are focusing on sleep, nutrition, staying in shape, having a high motor and “just focusing on ways to not get tired.” Evidence from the Ravens’ final two games of last season — a 34-10 divisional round playoff rout of the Houston Texans, followed by a 17-10 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC championship game at M&T Bank Stadium — suggests he was anything but, however. Against the Texans, Madubuike wreaked havoc with seven pressures and two run stops while receiving an 81.7 pass rush grade from Pro Football Focus. The following week against the Chiefs, he had six pressures and a sack, becoming the first player in last season’s playoffs to take down eventual Super Bowl Most Valuable Player Patrick Mahomes. The sack came early in the fourth quarter with Baltimore trailing 17-7 and the Chiefs barreling down the field toward more potential points. But Madubuike’s play helped lead to a punt. Still, the Ravens lost, while the Chiefs went on to win the Super Bowl for a second year in a row. The defeat lingered, but now a new opportunity awaits. “After those performances, even though I played well I just had it [in my mind], they haven’t seen nothing yet,” Madubuike said. “I can be better. I can be stronger. I can be faster.” After several departures on defense, he might have to be. Gone are outside linebacker Jadeveon Clowney (Carolina Panthers), inside linebacker Patrick Queen (Pittsburgh Steelers) and third safety Geno Stone (Cincinnati Bengals), last year’s interceptions leader in the AFC, among others. Questions linger about where else on the defense Baltimore’s pass rush and disruption might come from. Related Articles Baltimore Ravens | Six things to watch at Ravens training camp, including Lamar Jackson, Derrick Henry and Zach Orr Baltimore Ravens | Ravens sign veteran safety Eddie Jackson to one-year deal, bolstering depth ahead of training camp Baltimore Ravens | 10 things to know about AFC North and rest of NFL as Ravens training camp begins Baltimore Ravens | Attman’s owner says Jewish deli dropped from M&T Bank Stadium lineup Baltimore Ravens | As Baltimore’s Babe Ruth Birthplace and Museum turns 50, it shifts focus to the future Meanwhile, former defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald is now the coach of the Seattle Seahawks and former defensive line coach Anthony Weaver the Miami Dolphins’ defensive coordinator. Former inside linebackers coach Zach Orr replaced Macdonald, but the 32-year-old is the second-youngest defensive coordinator in the NFL and will be calling plays for the first time. It perhaps helps, though, that Orr is already plenty familiar with Madubuike. After Baltimore lost to the Bengals in the wild-card round to end the 2022 season, Orr told the defensive tackle, “You’re going to be an All-Pro. I can see it. I can feel it.” Madubuike hasn’t forgotten that conversation. And in Donald, a three-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year and eight-time All-Pro, including last year, Madubuike also sees inspiration. “When I came in as a rookie, I wanted to be not ‘like him,’ but play like him in the sense of just being great and being a known player in this league,” he said. “It added that focus. “I guess you could say year after year after year, I’ve gotten better, and it’s been working. I have a long way to go to even be mentioned in the same sentence as him in terms of play, but I’m determined and willing.” View the full article

The Ravens’ summer vacation is almost over. This year, Baltimore rookies reported for their first day of training camp July 13, the earliest of any team in the NFL. Lamar Jackson and the team’s three other quarterbacks, along with any injured veterans, reported Monday. The rest of the roster will report Saturday, with only the Houston Texans and Chicago Bears opening camp earlier. While there’s nothing glamorous about the hot summer days in Owings Mills, they are the foundation for the season ahead and will provide, at the very least, glimpses of the possibilities to come. Over the coming weeks, training camp will lend insight on, among other things, how new running back Derrick Henry will fit into the fold, what new defensive coordinator Zach Orr’s defense will look like in the wake of Mike Macdonald’s departure to the Seattle Seahawks and who will emerge to fill the three open starting spots on the offensive line. As players get back to work, here’s a look at what to watch for as training camp kicks off. What will the second year of Todd Monken’s scheme look like for Lamar Jackson and the rest of the offense? Last season, Jackson threw for a career-high 3,678 yards and completed a career-best 67.2% of his passes, leading Baltimore to an NFL-best 13-4 record in the regular season. Jackson won his second league Most Valuable Player Award, becoming the youngest player to do it twice. Still, the offense was wildly inconsistent, particularly early in the season. “We want to streamline, [and] we want to make it better for all of our players — Lamar especially — and we want to streamline it in a way that we become a more consistent offense,” Monken said during the offseason. “We have to work to start faster. That’s inevitable, but Year Two, we should be able to do that.” Baltimore was fourth in the NFL last season in first-half points per game (14.6), but to Monken’s point, in six of those games the Ravens scored 10 or fewer points over the first 30 minutes. Meanwhile, expect Jackson to have even more input and control within the offense, something that was expanded on last year and will be a point of emphasis again. How will that manifest? “Just being able to change extra plays and stuff like that,” Jackson said. “From us watching film and getting into games, teams changing things up on us, we just want to add extra layers to all of our calls.” That includes some nuance to Jackson’s cadence, which has been another point of emphasis during the offseason. How will they overcome all the coaching departures? Perhaps one of the more overlooked changes, or at least one that’s difficult to quantify for now, is the significant amount of turnover on coach John Harbaugh’s staff. Beyond losing Macdonald, defensive line coach Anthony Weaver left to become the Miami Dolphins’ defensive coordinator, defensive backs coach Dennard Wilson was named the Tennessee Titans’ defensive coordinator and assistant offensive line coach Mike Devlin bolted to become the offensive line coach of the Los Angeles Chargers. Orr, meanwhile, was promoted from his role as inside linebackers coach, while assistant quarterbacks coach Kerry Dickson and assistant T.J. Weist are both gone, among other moves. That’s a lot of change, though some of it wasn’t unexpected given the Ravens’ success last year, and it’s something Harbaugh is used to over his 16 seasons at the helm. It’s also an area of impact that’s difficult to measure at this point and will remain that way until games are played. On the upside for Baltimore, there is at least some continuity with Orr, Monken, longtime offensive line coach Joe D’Alessandris, tight ends coach George Godsey, wide receivers coach Greg Lewis and quarterbacks coach Tee Martin all back. Running back Derrick Henry enters a Ravens offense that runs more often out of shotgun and pistol formations than his previous team, the Titans. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff) Can Derrick Henry be as impactful at age 30 and out of the shotgun? Even at an advanced age for a running back, Henry has showed only minimal signs of slowing down. His 1,167 rushing yards last season with the Titans were his fewest in a full season since 2018 and his 4.2 yards per carry was his lowest mark since 2017, but he was also operating behind one of the league’s worst offensive lines. He was also the focal point of Tennessee’s offense for a long time with few other stars surrounding him during his eight seasons there. That won’t be the case alongside Jackson and a plethora of other options, including tight ends Mark Andrews and Isaiah Likely and second-year wide receiver Zay Flowers. Surprisingly, there was at least a tinge of concern initially about Henry operating out of a much more shotgun heavy scheme after playing with a quarterback mostly under center during his career. “Watching the film in Tennessee, that was a concern,” Ravens running backs coach Willie Taggart said. “Like, ‘We’re in the [shotgun], and we run from the gun, and how would Derrick be in it?’ And I’m not going to lie, I questioned that, until he got here, and [I saw] the big man move his feet, and I’m like, ‘Woah.’ It’s really impressive for a guy that size to move the way he does. And he’s got, not necessarily Zay Flowers’ feet, but from a big guy, he’s pretty swifty on his feet and [has] great vision and all. But seeing him do it from the gun, I don’t have any … I don’t think we’ll have any problem doing it. “And, we’ll also be under center.” Will the Ravens feature more two tight end sets? With Andrews and Likely, Baltimore has one of the better tight end duos in the league. The Ravens also led the NFL in expected points added per play when passing from 12 personnel (one running back, two tight ends) last season despite Andrews, a three-time Pro Bowl selection, missing seven games because of injuries and the two not often being on the field at the same time. While there’s not a lot to glean from spring practices during organized team activities and minicamp, Andrews and Likely did see a healthy number of targets, perhaps a harbinger of this fall. Having both of them on the field at the same time more often, along with Henry in the backfield, should present problems for defenses — namely forcing opponents to choose between using an extra defensive back to match up with the two tight ends, or a linebacker to deal with Henry. The former could be a boon for the four-time Pro Bowl back and in turn the Ravens’ rushing attack, which vanished against the Chiefs in the AFC championship game. Which rookies will have the biggest impact? The expectation for first-round draft pick Nate Wiggins is to be an immediate contributor. Still, there’s no guarantee that the speedy cornerback will be automatically plugged in as a starter on the outside. For one, the Ravens have a proven duo in Brandon Stephens and Marlon Humphrey, who, if fully healthy, could bounce back from an injury-hampered season. For another, it’s a crowded room that includes positional versatility and depth — at least for now. Related Articles Baltimore Ravens | Ravens sign veteran safety Eddie Jackson to one-year deal, bolstering depth ahead of training camp Baltimore Ravens | 10 things to know about AFC North and rest of NFL as Ravens training camp begins Baltimore Ravens | Attman’s owner says Jewish deli dropped from M&T Bank Stadium lineup Baltimore Ravens | As Baltimore’s Babe Ruth Birthplace and Museum turns 50, it shifts focus to the future Baltimore Ravens | 5 free agents Ravens could still target, including former Steelers pass rusher Beyond Wiggins, the most intriguing rookies are second-round offensive tackle Roger Rosengarten, third-round outside linebacker Adisa Isaac, fourth-round receiver Devontez Walker and fifth-round running back Rasheen Ali. The hope internally is that D’Alessandris can plug Rosengarten in at the open right tackle spot and not worry about him, much the way he did with Tyler Linderbaum at center. Isaac, who suffered a hamstring “tweak” that kept him out of spring practice, would be a boost to a group that needs one if he’s able top produce. Ali is a smooth and speedy back who could spell Henry and Justice Hill, particularly with Keaton Mitchell’s timetable for return from a torn ACL still unclear, as well as contribute on special teams. Walker, meanwhile, gives Jackson another downfield threat with good size. Who else will the Ravens add? Last year, the additions of outside linebackers Jadeveon Clowney and later Kyle Van Noy paid tremendous dividends for the Ravens, who have a history of adding veteran players late in camp or beyond. With question marks once again surrounding Baltimore’s pass rushers, there’s a good chance general manager Eric DeCosta will look to bolster that group again. The Ravens already dipped into the veteran safety market, signing former All-Pro and two-time Pro Bowl selection Eddie Jackson to a one-year deal on Friday. Jackson, who spent his first seven seasons with the Chicago Bears, gives the Ravens depth and will likely be part of three-safety looks alongside All-Pro Kyle Hamilton and veteran Marcus Williams. View the full article

The Ravens agreed to a one-year deal with free agent safety Eddie Jackson, the team announced Friday afternoon. Jackson, 30, spent his first seven seasons with the Chicago Bears, where he played with current Ravens middle linebacker Roquan Smith. Jackson’s best season came in 2018, when he collected six interceptions and was named a first-team All-Pro and Pro Bowl selection. He followed that with two interceptions and another Pro Bowl nod in 2019. After two seasons without an interception, the veteran had a resurgent 2022 with four picks and two forced fumbles. However, injuries have hampered him since. Jackson played just 12 games in each of the past two seasons while battling a foot injury. A 2017 fourth-round draft pick after a standout career at Alabama, Jackson recorded 32 tackles, one interception and five passes defended in 2023, but was released by the Bears in February in a cost-cutting move. The Ravens hope Jackson adds quality depth at safety after the departure of Geno Stone, who signed a two-year, $14 million contract with the Cincinnati Bengals this offseason after leading the AFC with seven interceptions. Baltimore has one of the league’s top safety tandems in All-Pro Kyle Hamilton and veteran Marcus Williams, but the defense likes to use a lot of three-safety looks. Williams has also struggled with injuries over the past two seasons, appearing in just 21 of 34 regular-season games after signing a five-year, $70 million free agent deal in March 2022. This story might be updated. View the full article

Last season, the AFC North was the only division to have three teams make the playoffs as well as the only one to have three teams win at least 10 games. That of course included the Ravens, who finished an NFL-best 13-4 during the regular season and reached the AFC championship game for the first time in more than a decade. Quarterback Lamar Jackson was also named NFL Most Valuable Player, becoming, at age 27, the youngest to win the award twice in the modern era. So what’s new for Baltimore and the rest of the AFC North in 2024? In a word, plenty. Former Ravens defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald is now the coach of the Seattle Seahawks, with former inside linebackers coach Zach Orr promoted to fill his vacancy, among a slew of other assistant coaching and front office changes. There was a mass exodus of free agents from Baltimore, including inside linebacker Patrick Queen, outside linebacker Jadeveon Clowney and safety Geno Stone. But the Ravens also added four-time Pro Bowl running back and two-time NFL rushing champ Derrick Henry and signed star defensive tackle Justin Madubuike to a long-term extension. And the rest of the division perhaps got even better with the Pittsburgh Steelers adding quarterbacks Russell Wilson and Justin Fields, quarterback Joe Burrow healthy again for the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson and running back Nick Chubb also returning from season-ending injuries. Around the league, Ravens coach John Harbaugh’s younger brother Jim returned, taking over as coach of the Los Angeles Chargers after leading Michigan to a national championship; the Kansas City Chiefs, who beat the Ravens in the AFC title game en route to winning a second straight Super Bowl, are favored to become the first time to three-peat; and future Hall of Fame quarterback Aaron Rodgers is healthy after tearing his Achilles tendon four snaps into his first New York Jets season. Put another way, for the Ravens to once again contend for the Super Bowl, they’ll need to navigate not just a loaded division and stacked conference, but one of the league’s most difficult and quirkiest schedules. With training camp upon us, here are the five biggest things to keep an eye on in the AFC North this season, plus five more things to know about the rest of the NFL. Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow is ‘going to give people something to talk about’ First it was a strained right calf on the second day of training camp that continued to linger, then torn ligaments in the quarterback’s throwing wrist in a Week 11 loss to the Ravens that ended his season. Over the first four years of Burrow’s career, Cincinnati reached the Super Bowl and played in two AFC championship games. But injuries to the 2020 No. 1 overall pick — knee, calf and wrist — have also become part of his narrative. Bengals Burrow FootballMatt Rourke/APBengals quarterback Joe Burrow told the “Pardon My Take” podcast recently, “I’m going to give people something to talk about this year.” (Matt Rourke/AP) That prompted the Bengals to improve the protection around their $275 million investment, and the quarterback to figure out how to remain on the field. On the first point, they signed 2019 Pro Bowl offensive tackle Trent Brown to replace Jonah Williams and selected highly touted tackle Amarius Mims out of Georgia with the 18th overall pick of the NFL draft. Mims, who has injury questions himself, adds depth to a line that includes ex-Raven and former Pro Bowl left tackle Orlando Brown Jr. Cincinnati also replaced running back Joe Mixon with Zack Moss, who had 794 yards and five touchdowns on 183 carries for the Indianapolis Colts while filling in for the injured Jonathan Taylor last season. Mixon topped 1,000 yards four of his seven seasons in Cincinnati, including last year, but Moss, 26, is younger and a better pass blocker. On defense, the Bengals signed 30-year-old tackle Sheldon Rankins, who replaces D.J. Reader, to pair with star pass rusher Tre Hendrickson (career-best 17 1/2 sacks in 2023) and dependable end Sam Hubbard (six sacks). In the secondary, they snatched up former Ravens safety Geno Stone, whose seven interceptions last year topped the AFC, brought back safety Vonn Bell and are expected to move 2022 first-round pick Dax Hill from safety to cornerback. As for Burrow, he seems particularly motivated, telling the “Pardon My Take” podcast recently, “I’m going to give people something to talk about this year.” Ravens vs. BrownsKarl Merton Ferron/Baltimore SunBrowns quarterback Deshaun Watson grimaces as Ravens defensive tackle Justin Madubuike twists him down for a sack. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff) Will Deshaun Watson be healthy enough to finally deliver on the Browns’ investment? Watson is entering his third year in Cleveland and hasn’t come close to fulfilling his end of the massive five-year, $230 million guaranteed contract the Browns inexplicably signed him to after trading for the maligned quarterback. He’s also coming off surgery to repair a fractured glenoid — the socket of the shoulder joint’s ball-and-socket structure — in this throwing arm, an injury he suffered (or at least worsened) in Cleveland’s dramatic 33-31 comeback win over the Ravens in Baltimore last November. With Joe Flacco now with the Colts following his fairytale stint in leading the Browns to the playoffs and being named the NFL’s Comeback Player of the Year, Cleveland added veteran Jameis Winston and former Ravens backup Tyler Huntley, but neither of them makes the Browns a serious threat. Meanwhile, Chubb is also coming off surgery after tearing his ACL and MCL last September. Jerome Ford filled in adequately, averaging 4 yards per carry and rushing for 813 yards, but the offense will be better with Chubb, wide receivers Amari Cooper and newly acquired Jerry Jeudy and tight end David Njoku, who broke out last season with 81 catches for 882 yards and six touchdowns. All six starters return on the offensive line, while the offense also gets a new coordinator in Ken Dorsey, who comes over after being fired from the Buffalo Bills following a 5-5 start last season. Cleveland’s defense will be its strong suit, however, with reigning NFL Defensive Player of the Year Myles Garrett, fellow edge rusher and three-time Pro Bowl selection Za’Darius Smith and the addition of veteran linebacker Jordan Hicks. Cornerbacks Denzel Ward, Martin Emerson Jr. and Greg Newsome might be the best trio in the league. New Steelers quarterbacks Russell Wilson, left, and Justin Fields have plenty to prove. (Joe Sargent/Getty) Who will start at quarterback in Pittsburgh? Out is 2022 first-round pick Kenny Pickett after just two unremarkable seasons in Pittsburgh and in are Wilson and Fields, a pair of cast-offs each hoping to have a renaissance in the Steel City. Who starts remains to be seen, but Pittsburgh gets a quarterback in Wilson with plenty of experience and past success who has won a Super Bowl and been selected to the Pro Bowl nine times. While he was a bust after getting traded from the Seahawks to the Denver Broncos in 2022, it’s possible that Denver and coach Sean Payton was simply a bad fit. Then there’s Fields, the former 2021 No. 11 overall pick whose career with the Chicago Bears lasted just three seasons before he was traded to the Steelers in exchange for a sixth-round pick. Like the Browns, the Steelers have a new offensive coordinator in former Atlanta Falcons coach Arthur Smith, who hopes to add some sizzle to a Pittsburgh offense that ranked in the bottom quarter of the league in total yards in 2023. The continued growth of wide receiver George Pickens, who had 63 catches for 1,140 yards and five touchdowns last season, along with talented young tight end Pat Freiermuth should help. Third-round pick Roman Wilson out of Michigan could also be an immediate contributor in the slot. But the biggest difference could come on defense with the signing of former Ravens inside linebacker and 2023 Pro Bowl selection Patrick Queen. Queen joins a defense that already includes star edge rushers T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith, who improved in pass coverage last season, and safety DeShon Elliott, who spent the past five years with the Miami Dolphins. Pairing Elliott with safety Minkah Fitzpatrick and second-year cornerback Joey Porter Jr. should give the Steelers an improved secondary. Some things remain the same in Pittsburgh, however — notably a good offensive line that should be bolstered with the drafting of left tackle Troy Fautanu in the first round and center Zach Frazier in the second. Around the rest of the NFL 1. The Chargers will have a distinctly Ravens feel this year. In addition to Jim Harbaugh, they hired ex-Ravens offensive coordinator Greg Roman, signed former Baltimore running backs Gus Edwards and J.K. Dobbins, poached assistant offensive line coach Mike Devlin and plucked former director of player personnel Joe Hortiz to be their general manager. It’s no wonder the teams will meet on “Monday Night Football” at SoFi Stadium on Nov. 25. Related Articles Baltimore Ravens | Attman’s owner says Jewish deli dropped from M&T Bank Stadium lineup Baltimore Ravens | As Baltimore’s Babe Ruth Birthplace and Museum turns 50, it shifts focus to the future Baltimore Ravens | 5 free agents Ravens could still target, including former Steelers pass rusher Baltimore Ravens | Ravens position group rankings: Questions surround offensive line, wide receivers Baltimore Ravens | Ravens rookies T.J. Tampa, Adisa Isaac could miss start of training camp 2. Last year, the Chiefs, Ravens, Texans, Bills, Browns, Dolphins and Steelers all made the playoffs. All those teams should be in the mix again, along with the Jacksonville Jaguars and Jets, who get Rodgers back. At age 40 (he’ll turn 41 in December), there are rightful questions as to whether he can last a full season and perform at his previously high level. But if Rodgers can stay healthy, it’s hard imagining the Jets not being a threat, particularly given their stout defense. Expectations are high for an organization that hasn’t made the playoffs since 2010. 3. In addition to the NFL’s drastic new kickoff rules, the league’s banning of the swivel hip-drop tackle will also go into effect. While the former will be an interesting watch in terms of strategy and execution, the latter is a judgement call that undoubtedly will cause all sorts of consternation among coaches and fans, especially early in the season. Yet plenty of coaches were happy to see it outlawed, including the Ravens after tight end Mark Andrews suffered an ankle injury on such a tackle that knocked him out of the final six games of the regular season and the divisional round of the playoffs. 4. Are the Texans the NFL’s next elite team? Quarterback C.J. Stroud was last year’s NFL Rookie of the Year, while DeMeco Ryans finished second for Coach of the Year. They added All-Pro wide receiver Stefon Diggs, Mixon, four-time Pro Bowl defensive end Danielle Hunter and veteran end Denico Autry and talented young linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair. That makes them the first team to acquire players who respectively had 10-plus sacks, 1,000-plus rushing yards and 100-plus receptions, according to NFL Research. The Ravens-Texans game could be a preview of this year’s AFC championship game and would be a rematch of last season’s divisional round matchup in which Houston gave Baltimore fits for the first 30 minutes. 5. But can anyone dethrone the Chiefs? No team has ever won three straight Super Bowls, but Kansas City should be even better this year with more speed on offense thanks to the additions of one-time Ravens receiver Marquise “Hollywood” Brown and rookie Xavier Worthy, whose time of 4.21 seconds in the 40-yard dash set the NFL scouting combine record. They also of course still have quarterback Patrick Mahomes, coach Andy Reid and defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo, as if anyone needed a reminder of what is the NFL’s current dynasty. View the full article

Corned beef sandwiches and hot dogs with bologna from Attman’s Delicatessen won’t be on the menu for Ravens fans at M&T Bank Stadium this fall, owner Marc Attman said he learned earlier this week. When he called to inquire about plans for the upcoming football season on Monday, Attman said, a representative of Levy Restaurants — the new Chicago-based concessionaire at M&T Bank Stadium this year — informed him that his Jewish deli wasn’t being asked to return. “Did we do something wrong?” Attman asked. Disappointed, he said he hadn’t been told the news before his call. “My business is a part of Baltimore.” Attman’s, which got its start in Charm City more than 100 years ago, opened a new eatery in Harbor Point earlier this year. In addition to its East Lombard Street and Potomac locations, the deli had operated out of a booth in Section 119 of M&T Bank Stadium for the past decade. There, Attman said he had a year-to-year contract and intended to stay for more years to come after his booth was recently revamped. But sweeping change for the stadium came this spring, when the Ravens announced in March that the team would be parting ways with longtime concessions partner Aramark to start a new venture with Levy, which already manages concessions for Oriole Park at Camden Yards and the Baltimore Convention Center, and was approved for a liquor license at M&T Bank Stadium last week. “As is customary in all sports and entertainment venues, vendors and offerings are consistently evaluated, and new concepts and menus are introduced on a yearly basis,” Levy wrote in a statement in response to questions about the fate of Attman’s Delicatessen and what might replace it. “We’re committed to creating a first-class and memorable experience for fans, and ensuring variety of our food and beverage offerings is a big part of that promise. We will continue to evolve our offerings each year to make game days as enjoyable and delicious as possible.” Attman said he’s heard that a chicken restaurant could take his spot in the stadium. The former deli outpost meant extra paychecks for his employees and a chance to work with the organization Caring For Young Minds. “My employees … got screwed. And truthfully, I got a little screwed. And I’m not going to really be upset, but I am very disappointed that this happens. I’m just a small guy,” he said. “I think the fans will miss us, absolutely.” View the full article