WESTMINSTER — There’s virtually no loose ends for the Baltimore Ravens to grapple with as they open training camp this morning at McDaniel College with the exception of unresolved medical issues.
All-Pro offensive tackle Jonathan Ogden is expected to be officially placed on the physically unable to perform list with a nagging turf toe injury that team officials plan to be extremely cautious with throughout the entire season.
Ogden is expected to be joined on the PUP list by linebackers Mike Smith and Dan Cody, and fullback Justin Green is another probable candidate.
Cody, who aggravated a hyperextended knee during a May minicamp, had his right knee wrapped up Sunday and walked with a slight limp. He declined an interview request.
If Cody has already undergone or still needs to have surgery to address a loose, thumb-sized piece of cartilage, he’ll need roughly four months of recovery time. That rehabilitation timeline would sideline him for the third year in a row. He’ll be a restricted free agent after this season.
Meanwhile, Smith confirmed that he will likely spend the first week of camp on the PUP list after undergoing arthroscopic surgery on his shoulder a few weeks ago. Smith had a more extensive surgery earlier in the offseason to repair a dislocated shoulder.
“It feels night and day different from minicamp,†Smith said. “I had it cleaned out, and it doesn’t feel like the same shoulder. I’ll work my way into it.â€
Green, who underwent knee surgery after damaging his anterior cruciate ligament last season against the Cincinnati Bengals, described himself as day-to-day. Of the four, he appears to be the closest to being cleared to practice.
“I’m feeling great,†he said. “I’m on top of everything.â€
NOTES: Former Pro Bowl running back Willis McGahee declined to add any more fuel to the verbal furnace he ignited earlier this offseason with critical remarks about the city of Buffalo. When asked if he missed Buffalo, the ex-Bill replied: “Huh? Buffalo is a good city, but I’m in Baltimore right now. I’m not even worried about Buffalo.†… Heading into his second season in Baltimore, defensive end Trevor Pryce is now in familiar surroundings. “This difference is I know where we are,†he said. “I know how to get to Burger King. I know where my room is. I’m just focused on getting to the meeting on time.â€â€¦ Rookie outside linebacker Antwan Barnes is already anticipating some hazing rituals from older players. “We’re been thinking about what’s going to happen to us as far as being rookies and what the veterans are going to do to us,†he said. “I hope they ask me to sing because I can sing old-school R&B. Don’t tell them that, though.†… Tight end Todd Heap offered some advice to the rookies. “Just get in your playbook,†he said. “From practice to practice, you have to retain all those things that you learn. And the season comes quicker than you think, so definitely make sure you are watching the older players to see what they do and take all the anxiety out by learning it as quick as possible.†… The Ravens signed defensive tackle Anthony Bryant, 25, (6-foot-3, 337 pounds, Alabama), wide receiver Leo Bookman, 24, (6-2, 211 pounds, Kansas) and linebacker Jamar Enzor, 25, (6-1, 238, Cincinnati).
Aaron Wilson covers the Baltimore Ravens for the Carroll County Times and the Annapolis Capital.
