Days after a team official dismissed a rumor reported on a local radio station that the Ravens have conducted official trade discussions regarding Taylor, coach John Harbaugh reiterated that Baltimore hasn’t been in touch with the Dolphins.
When asked specifically if the Ravens have been talking with the Dolphins about Taylor, Harbaugh replied: "Not that I’m aware of."
Taylor feuded with new Dolphins team president Bill Parcells while skipping offseason minicamps and weightlifting sessions to star in a high-profile reality television show. Last week, Dolphins coach Tony Sparano announced that Taylor plans to skip training camp.
Because of Taylor’s age, $7.5 million salary and reportedly frosty relationship with Ravens offensive coordinator Cam Cameron last season when he was the Dolphins’ head coach, the Ravens don’t appear to be a likely destination.
OGDEN UPDATE: Ravens offensive tackle Jonathan Ogden has been leaning toward retirement, but has yet to make an announcement of his plans.
There doesn’t appear to be any imminent news, according to Harbaugh.
Harbaugh said he has been in contact with Ogden via text messaging, adding that the future Hall of Fame selection has been talking to general manager Ozzie Newsome on a regular basis.
FLACCO ABSENT: Rookie quarterback Joe Flacco, the team’s first-round draft pick, wasn’t at the Ravens’ training complex due to an NFL-NCAA rule that prohibits players from attending more than one minicamp until their college academic schedule is completed.
"You want every guy here for every practice, but that’s the way the rules read and that’s just the way it works," Harbaugh said. "The biggest thing is all the offensive stuff he can catch up on, but reps, it’s hard to get those back. We’re going to try to incorporate as many reps as we can for him.
"One of the reasons we moved the rookie camp back to after the three passing camps was because he couldn’t be here for the first three days. Basically, our guys have dubbed it the, ‘Flacco Camp.’"
Harbaugh wasn’t specific on how the snaps will be divided between Flacco, Kyle Boller and Troy Smith when the 6-foot-6, 235-pounder former Delaware star returns to team headquarters.
"That’s going to be up to Cam," Harbaugh said. "I don’t think the rotation changes at all. He’s going to get plenty of reps. I think all three of those guys are going to be competing for a spot. They deserve an opportunity.”
INJURY UPDATE: Wide receiver Demetrius Williams didn’t practice due to an Achilles’ injury he described as mild.
Also not practicing: tight end Daniel Wilcox (toe surgery), linebackers Dan Cody (foot) and Mike Smith (shoulder) and cornerback David Pittman (foot). Offensive tackle Adam Terry (ankle surgery) was limited in drills.
New cornerback Lenny Walls didn’t practice for undisclosed reasons after being signed last week.
"Lenny’s a quality corner who’s played in the NFL," Harbaugh said. "We felt like he upgraded us from a competitive standpoint and he’ll compete for a spot on the team."
QUICK HITS: The first-team offensive line’s primary alignment: Jared Gaither (left tackle), Ben Grubbs (left guard), Jason Brown (center), Marshal Yanda (right guard) and rookie Oniel Cousins (right tackle). … Outside linebacker Edgar Jones took snaps at the injury-riddled tight end spot, catching several passes. "Edgar was a high school tight end as we found out, so he volunteered for duty," Harbaugh said. "We do have a shortage of tight ends right now, so why not?" … On Cameron’s suggestion, the Ravens used large play clocks behind the end zones to increase the tempo of practice and simulate game conditions. "We want to manage the clock, and the best way to do it is to see it every play," Harbaugh said. "That’s an innovation that coach Cameron has brought in and it’s been great." … Harbaugh had some advice for running back Willis McGahee, who has been invited to throw out the first pitch at Sunday’s Orioles game. "High heat, high heat, man," he said. "It’s better to throw it in the backstop than the dirt."
