Ravens Insider: Ravens observations: Tavius Robinson gets a lesson from another No. 95

[ExtremeRavens]

Former Ravens outside linebacker Jarret Johnson visited practice Tuesday, and of course he will always be a fan favorite after decking Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Hines Ward in a 2011 game at M&T Bank Stadium.

He took Ward completely out to the enthusiasm of a packed stadium, and it was even better because Ward had cheap-shotted so many Ravens players in previous years.

I can’t lie. It was pretty cool to see. With one hit, Johnson became a part of Baltimore football history.

That history isn’t lost on Baltimore’s current No. 95, Tavius Robinson, who not only is wearing the same number that Johnson did for the Ravens but is intimately familiar with the the former fourth-round draft pick out of Alabama who spent nine hard-nosed seasons in Baltimore from 2003 to 2011.

“I’ve watched,” Robinson, 26, said last week when asked if he’s seen tape of the old No. 95. “I’ve watched as many podcasts — as many everything that he’s been on — just trying to tap into his mental [approach] a little bit and his highlights as well, because he was a guy that maybe didn’t get all the credit that he deserved — sack-wise and pass-wise — but he was a dominant run defender, dominant physical gritty player. So yes, I’ve done a couple of deep dives on him and gone through his career here.”

After Tuesday’s practice, Johnson, now 44, made his way onto the field and did some work with Robinson.

The two also planned to watch tape together.

“We welcome all the old players back,” coach John Harbaugh said. “The tradition, the standard that they set, of excellence is something that our guys respect and strive for. They even wanna raise the bar.”

So, who’s better?

“Well,” Harbaugh said. “We’re gonna find out.”

Bills prep already underway

As soon as the 2025 NFL schedule was announced, the Ravens probably started slowly preparing for Buffalo. The Bills host the Ravens on Sept. 7 in the regular-season opener on “Sunday Night Football” after Buffalo knocked Baltimore out of the playoffs last season, 27-25, in the divisional round.

Harbaugh said that the team is focused on preparing for the preseason finale against the Washington Commanders on Saturday as well as the season opener against the Bills two weeks later.

“We do want to go down there and play,” Harbaugh said of facing Washington. “Guys are fighting for jobs and for opportunities. And also, guys who we know are going to make the team will be playing in that game, too, to get themselves ready for what’s next and to gain experience. But then also, we’ll be practicing for the start of the regular season, too.”

Rush takes a step back

In one of the worst interceptions of training camp, backup quarterback Cooper Rush was picked off by rookie outside linebacker Mike Green with about 32 minutes remaining in the two-hour practice.

The worst part is that Green might have scored if it was a real game. To make matters worse, not even Rush could explain why he just tossed the ball out to the left flat where there was no receiver in the area.

Just when Rush seemed to make progress last week against his former team, the Dallas Cowboys, he throws possibly the worst pick of training camp.

Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson gestures for a ball during practice. He once again showed off his skill in the open field. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff)

Lamar Jackson highlights

One of the best things about watching quarterback Lamar Jackson in practice is that he never stops with the razzle-dazzle moves.

He ran an option play to the left, cut inside, and then pulled off about two or three fakes, complete with head moves, and still kept motoring down the field. It’s amazing to try to think about what is going through his head in the open field.

He never stops moving.

Best hit

The best hit of the day belonged to guard Jared Penning, an undrafted rookie out of Northern Iowa.

Ravens rookie linebacker Teddye Buchanan blitzed on the left side and was struck by Penning in the guard/tackle hole. It made a nasty thud and Buchanan had to leave for a few plays because he seemed to have a “stinger” on his shoulder.

Regardless, the hit was vicious. Buchanan, though, did return a couple of plays later.

Preseason finale plans

The routine appears to be set for the third and final preseason game. The Ravens are expected to start Rush for a half followed by second-year player Devin Leary in the final two quarters.

Starters aren’t expected to play again, but Harbaugh did say that the final 53-man roster, due by 4 p.m. Tuesday, had not been set.

He left open the possibility that the Ravens could keep as many as 10 offensive linemen, even though nine would be more preferable.

Kyle Hamilton returns

Safety Kyle Hamiton participated for the first time since before the Colts visited Owings Mills for a joint practice nearly two weeks ago. Hamilton appeared sluggish and tight during the early part of practice, but more limber after warming up.

He didn’t move well in one-on-ones earlier in the day but got around well in the final team periods.

Wide receiver Zay Flowers is often the most animated player during practices. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff)

Receivers check

Second-year receiver Devontez Walker has played well throughout organized team activities and training camp and seems to have added another piece to becoming a complete receiver.

During one-on-ones, Walker has developed a good push-off move and gained separation twice against cornerback T.J. Tampa Jr.

One receiver who seems to be stuck in the gloom department is rookie LaJohntay Wester. He played a poor game Saturday against Dallas and had several opportunities to make catches Tuesday but showed a lack of effort.

Memo to Wester: This isn’t Colorado young lad, time to step up or step back.

Speaking of one-on-ones, Rashod Bateman might be the best route runner of any of the receivers. The outside juke he put on cornerback Nate Wiggins before running a slant was devastating.

I can only say to Wiggins: “Nate, he went that way.”

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Zay Flowers’ moves

The most animated player during practices, particularly early, is slot receiver Zay Flowers. He has one of the toughest stretching routines around, but he also can bust a couple of dance moves.

Injuries and attendance

There were two notable returns Tuesday with wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins and cornerback Jalyn Armour-Davis both back at practice, though Hopkins ended up leaving early.

Others who didn’t practice included cornerbacks Jaire Alexander and Chidobe Awuzie, fullback Pat Ricard, outside linebacker Kyle Van Noy and wide receiver Dayton Wade. Van Noy and Wade were in workout clothes, though, and did some light running on another field.

Outside linebacker Malik Hamm also left practice early.

Have a news tip? Contact Brian Wacker at bwacker@baltsun.com, 410-332-6200 and x.com/brianwacker1. Contact Mike Preston at epreston@baltsun.com, 410-332-6467 and x.com/MikePrestonSun.

Baltimore Ravens head football coach John Harbaugh talks following practice at Baltimore’s training facility for the upcoming NFL preseason game hosted by the Washington Commanders, with a number of players fighting for a position on the roster. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff)

Jarret Johnson, a former outside linebacker with the Ravens, speaks with center Nick Samac after Tuesday's practice in Owings Mills. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff)

Baltimore Ravens head coach John Harbaugh smiles following practice at Baltimore’s training facility for the upcoming NFL preseason game hosted by the Washington Commanders, with a number of players fighting for a position on the roster. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff)

From left, Baltimore Ravens guard Daniel Faalele, Corey Bullock and center Nick Samac walk with the rest of the offensive line following practice at Baltimore’s training facility for the upcoming NFL preseason game hosted by the Washington Commanders, with a number of players fighting for a position on the roster. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff)

Facing camera, Baltimore Ravens head coach John Harbaugh embraces Dick Cass, president emeritus following practice at Baltimore’s training facility for the upcoming NFL preseason game hosted by the Washington Commanders, with a number of players fighting for a position on the roster. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff)

Baltimore Ravens tight end Mark Andrews stands following practice at Baltimore’s training facility for the upcoming NFL preseason game hosted by the Washington Commanders, with a number of players fighting for a position on the roster. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff)

Members of the Baltimore Ravens offensive line walk together following practice at Baltimore’s training facility for the upcoming NFL preseason game hosted by the Washington Commanders, with a number of players fighting for a position on the roster. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff)

Wide receiver Zay Flowers is often the most animated player during practices. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff)

Dick Cass, Baltimore Ravens president emeritus stands following practice at Baltimore’s training facility for the upcoming NFL preseason game hosted by the Washington Commanders, with a number of players fighting for a position on the roster. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff)

Baltimore Ravens head coach John Harbaugh speaks following practice at Baltimore’s training facility for the upcoming NFL preseason game hosted by the Washington Commanders, with a number of players fighting for a position on the roster. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff)

Dick Cass, Baltimore Ravens president emeritus talks with head football coach John Harbaugh following practice at Baltimore’s training facility for the upcoming NFL preseason game hosted by the Washington Commanders, with a number of players fighting for a position on the roster. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff)

Baltimore Ravens kicker Tyler Loop stands following practice at Baltimore’s training facility for the upcoming NFL preseason game hosted by the Washington Commanders, with a number of players fighting for a position on the roster. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff)

Baltimore Ravens safety Malaki Starks hits practice gear while eyeing Thomas Graham Jr. to engage the cornerback during practice at Baltimore’s training facility for the upcoming NFL preseason game hosted by the Washington Commanders, with a number of players fighting for a position on the roster. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff)

Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson waves his arms to piped in music as Devin Leary, left and Cooper Rush jog to begin passing to receivers during practice at Baltimore’s training facility for the upcoming NFL preseason game hosted by the Washington Commanders, with a number of players fighting for a position on the roster. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff)

Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Anthony Miller catches a pass during practice at Baltimore’s training facility for the upcoming NFL preseason game hosted by the Washington Commanders, with a number of players fighting for a position on the roster. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff)

Baltimore Ravens linebacker Jake Hummel stops a wide throw during practice at Baltimore’s training facility for the upcoming NFL preseason game hosted by the Washington Commanders, with a number of players fighting for a position on the roster. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff)

Baltimore Ravens inside linebacker Jay Higgins IV catches a pass during practice at Baltimore’s training facility for the upcoming NFL preseason game hosted by the Washington Commanders, with a number of players fighting for a position on the roster. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff)

Baltimore Ravens defensive line coach Dennis Johnson watches outside linebacker David Ojabo hit the pads during practice at Baltimore’s training facility for the upcoming NFL preseason game hosted by the Washington Commanders, with a number of players fighting for a position on the roster. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff)

Baltimore Ravens defensive lineman Broderick Washington Jr. lunges during practice at Baltimore’s training facility for the upcoming NFL preseason game hosted by the Washington Commanders, with a number of players fighting for a position on the roster. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff)

Baltimore Ravens tight ends coach George Godsey listens to wide receiver Zay Flowers during practice at Baltimore’s training facility for the upcoming NFL preseason game hosted by the Washington Commanders, with a number of players fighting for a position on the roster. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff)

Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson speaks with quarterbacks coach Tee Martin during practice at Baltimore’s training facility for the upcoming NFL preseason game hosted by the Washington Commanders, with a number of players fighting for a position on the roster. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff)

Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson gestures for a ball during practice. He once again showed off his skill in the open field. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff)

A slow shutter speed captures movement of Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Rashod Bateman who runs a pass route during practice at Baltimore’s training facility for the upcoming NFL preseason game hosted by the Washington Commanders, with a number of players fighting for a position on the roster. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff)

Baltimore Ravens quarterbacks coach Tee Martin watches quarterback Lamar Jackson pass during practice at Baltimore’s training facility for the upcoming NFL preseason game hosted by the Washington Commanders, with a number of players fighting for a position on the roster. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff)

Movement from a slow shutter speed captures Baltimore Ravens tight end Mark Andrews who runs a route during practice at Baltimore’s training facility for the upcoming NFL preseason game hosted by the Washington Commanders, with a number of players fighting for a position on the roster. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff)

Baltimore Ravens defensive line coach Dennis Johnson talks with defensive lineman John Jenkins during practice at Baltimore’s training facility for the upcoming NFL preseason game hosted by the Washington Commanders, with a number of players fighting for a position on the roster. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff)

Baltimore Ravens defensive lineman C.J. Ravenell stretches during practice at Baltimore’s training facility for the upcoming NFL preseason game hosted by the Washington Commanders, with a number of players fighting for a position on the roster. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff)

Baltimore Ravens punter Jordan Stout holds a football during practice at Baltimore’s training facility for the upcoming NFL preseason game hosted by the Washington Commanders, with a number of players fighting for a position on the roster. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff)

Baltimore Ravens cornerback Nate Wiggins practices with the help of defensive backs coach Donald D’Alesio during practice at Baltimore’s training facility for the upcoming NFL preseason game hosted by the Washington Commanders, with a number of players fighting for a position on the roster. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff)

Baltimore Ravens defensive lineman Broderick Washington Jr., right leans in to huddle with the defensive line during practice at Baltimore’s training facility for the upcoming NFL preseason game hosted by the Washington Commanders, with a number of players fighting for a position on the roster. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff)

Baltimore Ravens defensive lineman Broderick Washington Jr. dons his helmet during practice at Baltimore’s training facility for the upcoming NFL preseason game hosted by the Washington Commanders, with a number of players fighting for a position on the roster. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff)

Baltimore Ravens defensive line coach Dennis Johnson emerges during practice at Baltimore’s training facility for the upcoming NFL preseason game hosted by the Washington Commanders, with a number of players fighting for a position on the roster. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff)

Baltimore Ravens defensive lineman Broderick Washington Jr. during practice at Baltimore’s training facility for the upcoming NFL preseason game hosted by the Washington Commanders, with a number of players fighting for a position on the roster. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff)

Baltimore Ravens defensive lineman Aeneas Peebles hits the pads during practice at Baltimore’s training facility for the upcoming NFL preseason game hosted by the Washington Commanders, with a number of players fighting for a position on the roster. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff)

Baltimore Ravens tight end Mark Andrews sprints in front of the offensive line during practice at Baltimore’s training facility for the upcoming NFL preseason game hosted by the Washington Commanders, with a number of players fighting for a position on the roster. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff)

Baltimore Ravens defensive lineman Aeneas Peebles kneels near John Jenkins during practice at Baltimore’s training facility for the upcoming NFL preseason game hosted by the Washington Commanders, with a number of players fighting for a position on the roster. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff)

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Baltimore Ravens head football coach John Harbaugh talks following practice at Baltimore’s training facility for the upcoming NFL preseason game hosted by the Washington Commanders, with a number of players fighting for a position on the roster. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff)

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