OWINGS MILLS — The Baltimore Ravens downgraded All-Pro offensive tackle Jonathan Ogden to doubtful Friday with a hyperextended toe, all but officially ruling him out for Sunday’s game against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
"That toe’s not looking good," Ravens coach Brian Billick said.
Ogden’s impending deactivation doesn’t come as a surprise to his teammates, and they expressed confidence in second-year offensive tackle Adam Terry’s ability to keep Steelers outside linebacker Joey Porter off quarterback Steve McNair’s blindside.
"If Jonathan could play, he would play," center Mike Flynn said. "He’s sore, and you don’t want to hurt it any worse. He’ll be back next week and definitely back for the playoffs. There’s no need to push it. It would be one thing if maybe we needed this game to get into the playoffs and he could try to do something Sunday before the game.
"But we knew going into this week that he wouldn’t be playing. Adam is going to do a good job. It’s not going to change our game plan. He’ll be fine. He’s played before against good players. He’s athletic. The biggest thing is getting used to playing again. After the first series, he should be fine."
Meanwhile, the Ravens upgraded wide receiver Mark Clayton (chest) to probable and he’s expected to start after being given Friday off from practice. Clayton indicated that his injury is actually to his back, though, which is contrary to the official injury report.
"I landed on my back the other day at practice real hard diving for a ball," he said. "It feels fine now."
Tight end Todd Heap (thigh) remains questionable, but is expected to start after being given time off during practice all week.
Tight end Daniel Wilcox (knee/back) remains questionable, but is expected to play. Wide receiver Derrick Mason (thigh) was upgraded to probable and is expected to start. Cornerback Samari Rolle (neck stinger) was upgraded to probable, but was rested Friday during practice. Safety Gerome Sapp (thigh) was upgraded to probable. Mike Flynn (thigh) was upgraded to probable after practicing in all drills Friday.
CONTAINING FAST WILLIE: Steelers running back Willie Parker considers himself a long-run artist and is coming off an impressive 41-yard touchdown jaunt during last week’s blowout win over the Carolina Panthers.
The Pro Bowl runner known as Fast Willie will have his resolve tested Sunday when he faces off against the NFL’s top-ranked defense that has allowed only three runs of 20 yards or more this season. Parker has rushed for 1,331 yards and 11 touchdowns, averaging 4.6 yards per carry with 11 runs of 20 yards or more.
“He’s definitely a home-run hitter every time he touches the ball,†nose guard Kelly Gregg said. “You want to put hats on him early.â€
The longest runs registered against Baltimore this season are a 47-yarder by Kansas City Chiefs running back Larry Johnson, Tennessee Titans runner Travis Henry’s 30-yard burst and a 29-yard sprint from San Diego Chargers star LaDainian Tomlinson, the league’s leading rusher.
“We’re just playing technique football and playing with fundamentals,†outside linebacker Terrell Suggs said. “We pride ourselves on stopping the run, and that’s why we’ve only given up three."
QUICK HITS: Under Billick’s play-calling, the Ravens’ offense has climbed to 19th overall. That’s 10 spots higher than they ranked under former offensive coordinator Jim Fassel, whom Billick fired after six games. … The Ravens are liable to lean heavily on running back Jamal Lewis with Musa Smith on injured reserve while giving some playing time to Mike Anderson as Lewis’ primary backup. style. “This late, there’s a toll every time you hit somebody,†Billick said. “Obviously, his physical style for December and January, that’s a positive for us to play that kind of physical running game.†… Billick said he didn’t know whether return specialist B.J. Sams will require surgery to repair the fractured ankle that ended his season. …. Taking shots at the condition of Heinz Field has become a popular sport at the Ravens’ training complex with linebacker Bart Scott getting into the act, too. “It will be tough going in there and playing on that painted dirt,†he said. … Scott said visiting a child at Johns Hopkins Hospital put being snubbed for the Pro Bowl in the proper perspective. “There he is, a quadriplegic, and he picked me as his favorite player and I had an opportunity to hang out with him and brighten his day,†he said. “That’s what football and status is all about, going and giving back to somebody.â€
Aaron Wilson covers the Baltimore Ravens for the Carroll County Times in Westminster, Maryland
