Baltimore Ravens: Intensity Increases, Receivers Still Sidelined

Jul 30, 2015; Owings Mills, MD, USA; Baltimore Ravens strong safety Will Hill (33) covers defensive back Nick Perry (36) during coverage drill on day one of training camp at Under Armour Performance Center. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

The Baltimore Ravens were back in full pads during Thursday’s practice. After a light practice on Wednesday, the intensity was raised throughout the day.

Much of the intensity was focused in the trenches. BaltimoreRavens.com staff writer Garrett Downing reported head coach John Harbaugh yelling at the younger defensive linemen. During 11-on-11 drills, the second-team offense had their way with the second-team defense on the goal line allowing rookie running back Buck Allen to easily score.

"“A Ravens defensive line getting run over at the goal line? Are you [kidding] me,” he shouted."

The players responded by increasing the intensity throughout the rest of the day. Downing reported there were skirmishes, but nothing escalated to the first fight of training camp.

With the increase in intensity, the practice saw three players leave early. Offensive linemen Robert Myers and John Urschel left practice to be tested for possible concussions, while tight end Maxx Williams left after being poked in the eye.

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With that note of injuries, rookie receiver Breshad Perriman (knee) and Marlon Brown (back) did not practice along with cornerbacks Tray Walker (hamstring) and Chris Greenwood (hamstring) and linebacker Steven Means (ankle). Kelechi Osemele was sidelined after having his foot stepped on during Wednesday’s practice.

With the wide receivers missing yet another practice, some people are beginning to worry, including the Baltimore Wire’s editor Joe Serpico. However, BaltimoreRavens.com writer and editor Sarah Ellison sees this as an opportunity for Kamar Aiken being a week one starter.

Though both receivers need to practice, I believe these two are the ones who would be able to bounce back after missing so much time and still make the roster. Meanwhile, the other receivers are getting more chances, and the Ravens may find a hidden gem within another receiver.

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In other offensive news, while the running backs are becoming a bigger part in the offense, fullback Kyle Juszczyk has not been seen very much. The most action he’s seeing is during running plays, as Ellison pointed out. How the fullback will be used in Marc Trestman’s offense is still unknown.

With the absence of safety Matt Elam, Will Hill is likely to take the starting role alongside newcomer Kendrick Lewis. However, rookie safety Nick Perry has been stepping up to try to make the roster. With the third-year player’s absence, the former Alabama safety has an even better chance avoid being cut.

And while the GOP debates were beginning Thursday night, the age-old question showed up for Baltimore fans.

The Ravens are practicing again Friday morning. Their next day off is on Sunday.

Next: Baltimore Ravens: Wide Receiver Injuries Hurting Development of Offense