OWINGS MILLS — Thursday is shaping up as a pivotal day in determining whether Baltimore Ravens All-Pro offensive tackle Jonathan Ogden is going to play in the season opener against the Cincinnati Bengals.
That’s when the 6-foot-9, 345-pound left tackle will test his hyperextended left big toe for the first time in full pads since being activated from the physically unable to perform list last week.
"I don’t know yet," Ogden replied Monday when asked if he’s going to be available for the Bengals game in one week. "I’ve got to get my pads on first and hit somebody."
During practice, Ogden participated in individual drills with the rest of the offensive line and fired off the football during blocking drills. If the 10-time Pro Bowl selection isn’t healthy enough to play, the Ravens would likely shift right tackle Adam Terry over to the left side and start rookie Marshal Yanda at right tackle.
"The key is J.O.," Ravens coach Brian Billick said. "If J.O. can’t go, I know exactly what it looks like. If he can go, I know exactly what it looks like. So, we’ll adjust to where he’s at."
Meanwhile, three starters who were held of the preseason finale against the Atlanta Falcons returned to practice. Wide receiver Mark Clayton (sprained ankle), safety Ed Reed (thigh bruise) and cornerback Samari Rolle (sprained ankle) all practiced.
"I feel good," Rolle said. "Thursday, I’m going to practice. I’ll be out there Monday night."
Clayton is still in some pain, although he has resumed running.
"It felt pretty good,†Clayton said. “It’s still sore, still working on getting the swelling out. It’s progressing. Hopefully, we’ll be set."
Tight end Daniel Wilcox (sprained ankle) was limited during individual drills performed without his helmet before jogging off the field with trainer Bill Tessendorf.
"After five days of practice, we’ll know if they’re ready to go or not," Billick said.
Quarterback Kyle Boller, who hurt his right knee against Atlanta, practiced with no wrap or tape.
Defensive tackle Haloti Ngata’s bruised left knee was wrapped and taped.
Rookie linebacker Antwan Barnes seems to have recovered from a sprained right ankle.
ONLY IN AMERICA: Just a few weeks ago, kicker Rhys Lloyd was in career limbo. The Dover, England native wasn’t even approved to work in this country as his arrival at training camp was delayed due to work visa issues.
Now, he’s a full-fledged NFL employee as the Ravens’ kickoff specialist. Lloyd made the team after hitting all three preseason field goals and booting eight of nine kickoffs into the end zone.
"It’s been a long road, a tough one," Lloyd said. "It was frustrating, but it feels good to finally be in a position to get something of a career started. Obviously, I did something right during the preseason and it’s nice to have a roster spot."
RELIEVED: Heisman Trophy winner Troy Smith had his fingers crossed Saturday while awaiting word of whether he had made the team, finally exhaling when he learned that he would be retained on the roster as the third quarterback.
"My heart was beating fast," said Smith, the 93rd-rated passer this preseason with a 51.6 quarterback rating. "It’s a business. I’ll do anything and everything to help the team."
Devard Darling, who beat out Clarence Moore, for the fourth wide receiver job, was relieved to still be on the team. Darling hasn’t caught a pass since his rookie season in 2004.
"I thank the Lord for this opportunity," Darling said. "I’m ready to contribute to this team. I worked hard to be here."
DEMOTION: Despite leading the Ravens with 94 rushing yards this preseason, second-year running back Cory Ross didn’t make the team this year and is currently relegated to the practice squad.
Ross is taking the view that at least he’s still employed.
"It’s definitely a blessing because it could have been worse," Ross said. "I still have the opportunity to be here. You get a little surprised when you feel like you did something great, but you’ve got to realize it’s a numbers situation. You can only be positive and understand what has to happen."
BRAGGING RIGHTS: As a former Appalachian State star, Wilcox hasn’t been shy about reminding former Michigan linebacker Prescott Burgess about the Mountaineers’ landmark upset victory over the Wolverines.
"I came in and he has his jersey in my locker," Burgess said. "I ain’t there no more. I can’t tell you why they didn’t play like a Michigan team. They’ve got to get better.â€
Wilcox was driving when old college friends began texting him scoring updates
"I’m proud of them boys," Wilcox said.
QUICK HITS: Billick said the team won’t begin installing the game plan until Thursday. "If you start too early, it gets stale," he said. "Certainly some of the things we’re doing will apply, but right now they’re working to get back into a rhythm so we can go to work in earnest on Thursday.†… Smith has regained his No. 10 college jersey, which was formerly worn by Drew Olson. "It’s a significant number for myself," Smith said. "A lot of things I did in college I did wearing that number.  Rookie outside linebacker Edgar Jones is no longer wearing Edwin Mulitalo’s former No. 64 jersey and now sports No. 91. …The Ravens signed tight end Kendrick Ballantyne to the eighth and final practice squad spot.
Aaron Wilson covers the Baltimore Ravens for the Carroll County Times and the Annapolis Capital.
