OWINGS MILLS, Md. — Baltimore Ravens rush end Terrell Suggs hinted strongly Monday that he’ll be playing Sunday against the San Diego Chargers, labeling his pulled right hamstring as a little ‘boo-boo.’
Although Suggs didn’t finish the Ravens’ 15-14 win over the Cleveland Browns, he sounded optimistic about his status. "As far as I know, everything’s going according to plan,” said Suggs, who was barely limping Monday in the locker room. “I don’t feel that bad. I feel a lot better. I think we’re probably making a big deal over nothing.
“It’s a little sore. We’re going to work on it all week and see what happens. Just a little tweak in the leg.”
Jarret Johnson replaced Suggs against Cleveland and performed capably. If Suggs is unavailable, the Ravens would likely extend linebacker Gary Stills’ playing time and possibly activate Dan Cody as a situational pass rusher.
Stills forced and recovered a fumble in the final seconds to cement the Ravens’ win. "If Suggs is hurt, then I’m ready to step to the forefront if they need me," Stills said.
Ravens coach Brian Billick was noncommittal on Suggs’ condition.
“We’ll have to see how it progresses,” he said. “There is always hope. I wouldn’t categorize it right now.”
UNFAMILIAR FACE: Defensive end Trevor Pryce is a newcomer to the AFC North, and the four-time Pro Bowl selection believes his arrival has confounded blockers. Against the Browns, the former Denver Broncos standout registered two sacks for his first multi-sack game since Dec. 21, 2003. His three sacks in three games are only one shy of how many he posted all last season in Denver.
“I think the advantage is that the guys that you play against really don’t know you all that well,” Pryce said. “When you beat them, it’s a surprise. When I was in the AFC West, everybody knew what I could do.
“They found a way to nullify me by sliding the line or stuff. Now, I’m back to where nobody is really paying attention to me.”
LOOKING AHEAD: If Suggs is healthy enough to play, he already has his game face on to compete with Chargers All-Pro running back LaDainian Tomlinson.
Tomlinson, who has rushed for 202 yards on 50 carries in two games and rested this week with an early bye, is one of Suggs’ favorite players to watch in the league.
“I’m definitely an L.T. fan, but he’s coming into M&T,” Suggs said. “Therefore, he’s not my friend this week. I’m not a fan this week. L.T. is a big focal point for us.”
QUICK HITS: Linebacker Bart Scott is tied with Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Trent Cole for the most sacks in the league with five. … Kicker Matt Stover, who’s a 12-handicapper, made a golf analogy after connecting on his game-winning 52-yard field goal. “I hit a knockdown 7-iron,” he said. “Played it back in my stance, kept it low and took advantage of the wind I had at my back.” … Tight end Todd Heap, who injured his ankle Friday night while stretching, wasn’t hampered by some soreness. He caught five passes. “I was real worried that I was even going to be able to play,” he said. “I wasn’t sure. It was swollen up pretty good, but luckily I was able to get in there." … Browns quarterback Charlie Frye became the first Cleveland quarterback since Hall of Fame selection Otto Graham in 1954 to run for a touchdown in three consecutive games.
Aaron Wilson covers the Baltimore Ravens for the Carroll County Times in Westminster, Maryland.
