OWINGS MILLS — Because of lingering soreness in his hyperextended left big toe and a lack of mobility, Baltimore Ravens All-Pro offensive tackle Jonathan Ogden will almost definitely miss Sunday’s regular-season finale against the Buffalo Bills.
Ogden sounded resigned to missing his second consecutive start after being held out of practice Wednesday and was listed as doubtful on the official injury report.
With his toe wrapped up, the 6-foot-9, 345-pounder acknowledged that he can’t run while expressing confidence that he’s improving at a pace that should allow him to be available for the Ravens’ opening playoff game.
“It’s definitely getting a lot better,†Ogden said. “I have no idea about this week, but one thing is for sure: I’ll be back for the playoffs. That’s the plan.
“Right now, it feels 100 percent better than it did last week at this time. I can walk and that’s about it. If I try to run or anything, it’s not happening. Last week, just walking was shooting pain up my foot, so we’ve definitely made a lot of progress.â€
With Ogden likely out again, second-year offensive tackle Adam Terry is preparing to start for the second week in a row on the left side with the critical assignment of protecting quarterback Steve McNair’s blindside.
A second-round draft pick last year from Syracuse, the 6-foot-8, 330-pound Terry allowed no quarterback sacks of pressures in a 31-7 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers that marked his first NFL start.
“It’s what I’m here for,†Terry said. “I expect that all the time. I’m one play away. It’s the reality of the situation. You go in when they need you.â€
Since the Ravens (12-3) need a victory to guarantee a No. 2 seed in the AFC and a corresponding first-round bye, it’s critical that they defeat the Bills. However, having Ogden completely healthy for the postseason run is a major priority.
If they earn the bye without him, Ogden would have a total of three weeks off since injuring himself against the Cleveland Browns to heal up.
â€It’s always really huge to have a bye," Ogden said. "If we didn’t have one, I’d still foresee me being able to go, but a bye would really make things a whole lot easier on me."
While Ogden didn’t completely dismiss the idea of playing this week, he didn’t really express any optimism about his prospects and was limping noticeably in the locker room.
Plus, doctors reached an important conclusion after reviewing his magnetic resonance imaging exam.
“They said, ‘You need to rest right now,’†Ogden said.
Ogden emphasized that he probably is capable of playing without participating in practice, but thought it wasn’t an ideal situation to attempt to do so.
“I don’t like to just go out there cold,†he said.
Terry wasn’t as physical as Ogden as a run-blocker, but did a solid job of walling off pass rushers from hitting McNair. McNair was practically untouched against the Steelers.
“"I’m confident, of course," McNair said. "Those guys have great chemistry upfront. They do things that even surprise me. Adam did a great job last week and I’m looking forward to him doing a great job this week."
Added Ogden: "Adam played fine. He did a great job, and if he has to play this week he will do a great job."
After blocking Porter last week, Terry has an even more daunting challenge Sunday: containing Bills Pro Bowl defensive end Aaron Schobel, who ranks third in the NFL with 14 sacks.
Terry knows his limitations in comparison to Ogden, who was named to his 10th Pro Bowl last week.
“The gold standard around here is J.O,†Terry said. “He was helpful on the sidelines. It’s great we have a first-ballot [Hall of Fame] guy standing next to me. If I need any questions answered, why not ask him?â€
Aaron Wilson covers the Baltimore Ravens for the Carroll County Times in Westminster, Maryland.
