Ravens News 8/12: Making a Case and more

Practice Report: With Other Wide Receivers Out, James Proche II Turns in Another Solid Day – Clifton Brown

The second-year wide receiver had a strong practice and particularly stood out during one-on-one drills, making catches despite being tightly defended by Marlon Humphrey and DeShon Elliott. Proche also had the play of the day when he wrestled a long pass away from safety Ar’Darius Washington.

“Those guys that are out there every day that prove that they’re durable and they have the ability to be on the field, that counts for a lot,” Head Coach John Harbaugh said. “He’s out here making plays every day. He has plenty of things to work on in terms of our offense and what he needs to do, but I’m nothing but pleased with James Proche.”

The offensive line got a lift with the return of center Bradley Bozeman, who missed two practices with a strain. Recovering from a major ankle injury, All-Pro left tackle Ronnie Stanley participated in his first training camp practice on Monday, then took Tuesday off. Stanley moved well during individual drills, and similar to Monday, he sat out the team portion of practice.

While Stanley and Bozeman were back, rookie Ben Cleveland, who’s one of several players competing to start at left guard, left in the middle of practice and didn’t return. Right guard Kevin Zeitler (foot) and right tackle Alejandro Villanueva also did not practice.

Ravens camp observations: Absences mounting for rookie class, young CB making plays, Lamar Jackson sharp – Jeff Zrebiec

With a few of his top receivers and starting offensive linemen not on the field, Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson leaned on the known quantities in the first 11-on-11 drill. He hit an uncovered J.K. Dobbins out of the backfield on the first play for a nice gain and then he found Andrews down the seam for a big play. Andrews got inside rookie safety Brandon Stephens.

Blocking tight end Eric Tomlinson doesn’t often factor in the passing game, but he did Wednesday. He made back-to-back catches in full-team work with the second one, from Jackson, going for a touchdown. Tomlinson, bidding to win a 53-man roster spot, caught another touchdown later in practice.

One of the biggest cheers all practice was generated by kicker Justin Tucker, who has made it a point to get the crowd going early in training camp. With Sam Koch on the hold, Tucker connected from 65 yards.

Ravens HC John Harbaugh: WR Rashod Bateman Will Be Out ‘A Number Of Weeks’ – Bo Smolka

Asked after practice on Aug. 11 about Bateman, Harbaugh said, “He’s dealing with a soft-tissue leg issue that’s going to be weeks, a number of weeks. So, I don’t know how many. … It’s not going to be months, but it will be weeks.”

WESTRY CONTINUES MAKING HIS CASE: Cornerback Chris Westry, who entered camp on the roster bubble, has been one of the top defensive backs over the past week. With several defensive backs sidelined by injury, Westry’s chances for the 53-man roster appear to be getting better by the day.

During a 1-on-1 red-zone drill during the Aug. 11 workout, Westry did a nice job to deny Jaylon Moore in the back of the end zone and also broke up a pass intended for Michael Dereus. Westry and head coach John Harbaugh had a long chat during that 1-on-1 session. Later in practice, Westry broke up a deep pass from Tyler Huntley that was intended for Devin Duvernay but slightly underthrown.

For DeShon Elliott and talented Ravens defense, championships come before contracts – Jonas Shaffer

“We’re too talented; we’re deep,” Campbell said last month. “This team is just set up perfectly to make a run. Now, obviously, it’s hard to do, and every team wants it. There are other teams out there that have got just as much talent and great players, as well, so it’s going to be a battle, but there’s no excuse. We have everything it takes, and so it really comes down to execution, taking it one day at a time and earning the right.”

“That money’s going to come,” Elliott said Tuesday. “I’m not worried about that money. I’m worried about the Super Bowl and playing with my guys. That money’s going to come. I don’t play this game for the money. I play this game for football. I love football. Of course, there’s other things that come with it. And if God’s blessed me to get the opportunity, then of course [I’ll consider it], you know what I’m saying?”

Attrition is a matter of course in every NFL offseason, and whether Jackson signs a new deal or not, the Ravens will have the flexibility under an expanded salary cap to bring back key veterans. A potentially big draft haul — the team’s projected to receive three compensatory picks next year — gives them another path to rebuild on the cheap.

Top NFL players by jersey number: From Kyler Murray to Aaron Donald, a 1-99 ranking for the 2021 season – Cody Benjamin

8 — Lamar Jackson, Ravens QB

Jackson will probably own this as long as he suits up, but there’s a decent well of future talent: Packers WR Amari Rodgers, Panthers CB Jaycee Horn, Falcons TE Kyle Pitts and Jets WR Elijah Moore.

35 — Gus Edwards, Ravens RB

Underrated player. Eagles backup Boston Scott is the only true competition.

36 — Chuck Clark, Ravens S

Another quiet standout in Baltimore.

40 — Malik Harrison, Ravens LB

The youngster is due for an expanded role in Baltimore’s stingy “D.”

44 — Marlon Humphrey, Ravens CB

Who said No. 1 corners can’t wear jerseys in the 40s?

79 — Ronnie Stanley, Ravens OT

Brandon Brooks is honorable mention.

89 — Mark Andrews, Ravens TE

Unless Kadarius Toney explodes as a rookie in New York, this number should stick with Andrews for a while.