If it’s too hot to fish, or too hot to golf, it’s probably too hot to play football…
But with its first preseason game only two days away, the 2012 edition of the Ravens had to keep at it in what amounts to a record heat wave in Baltimore County…
It started out like a day at the beach…but it ended with players dropping like flies…
Wide receiver Tandon Doss returned to the field after missing six practices due to a hamstring injury. He only went through individual wide receiver drills, but it’s a good turn of events for a player who was showing major improvements in his second year.
Cornerback Cary Williams also returned, as did tight end Ed Dickson, who had blurry vision after being poked in the eye during Saturday’s practice.
One notable person missing was safety Ed Reed, who appeared to have a leg issue on Saturday but finished the practice. Harbaugh did not give an update on his Pro Bowler.
Others missing were linebacker Dannell Ellerbe, defensive tackle Ma’ake Kemoeatu, center Matt Birk, tackle Jah Reid, defensive tackle Arthur Jones, outside linebacker Courtney Upshaw, cornerback Jimmy Smith, running back Bernard Pierce, linebacker Darryl Blackstock, linebacker Josh Bynes, wide receiver Patrick Williams, outside linebacker Terrell Suggs, wide receiver David Reed and tight end Dennis Pitta.
More players didn’t make it all the way through the hot practice. Wide receiver Jacoby Jones, guard Marshal Yanda, linebacker Jameel McClain, running back Anthony Allen and defensive end Pernell McPhee ended early.
McPhee went to the sideline and stood with ice on his knee. Harbaugh did not have a reason for his departure, but said he did not pull him out.
Jones and Yanda were excused from the remainder of practice by Harbaugh, who said they had “done enough.” “We were kind of grinding today,” Harbaugh said.
McKinnie Plays Left Tackle With 1st And 2nd Team — According to Ryan Mink of the Ravens.com: In his first practice in 11-on-11 drills, tackle Bryant McKinnie spent time at left tackle with the first- and second-team offense. And he looked good in the process.
Outside linebacker Paul Kruger (among others) could not find his way around the mountainous tackle in 11-on-11 drills. McKinnie also more than held his ground in one-on-one lineman drills. Another good sign is that McKinnie, who said he’s 20 pounds lighter than he was at this time last year, made it through the entire sweltering practice, something a few of his teammates didn’t do.
“He worked hard, he made it through the whole practice, which is something because football shape is something different than regular conditioning test shape,” Harbaugh said. “I thought he looked athletic, he looked like he was moving well. He’s just got to stack them and go compete.”
Michael Oher started the practice at left tackle with rookie Kelechi Osemele on the right side. Oher flipped to right tackle when McKinnie would enter on the first team. Harbaugh would like to keep Oher on the left side, but is going to start the best five linemen.
“It’s not ideal, it’s not the perfect scenario,” Harbaugh said of switching Oher. “You want to be set at all your positions. But it’s not always realistic either. It’s training camp, it’s football, and you have guys competing for spots.”
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