WESTMINSTER — Baltimore Ravens undrafted rookie inside linebacker Dannell Ellerbe has been one of the top surprises of training camp, taking snaps with the first-team defense at times.
Ellerbe will be sidelined for roughly a week with a sprained knee, though, according to Ravens coach John Harbaugh.
Under that recovery period, the former University of Georgia standout would likely miss the Ravens’ next preseason game against the New York Jets.
Wide receiver Mark Clayton remains sidelined with a high-degree hamstring strain that will probably keep him out for the entire preseason at this rate of recuperation. However, he’s expected to return in time for the Ravens’ season opener Sept. 13 against the Kansas City Chiefs.
Meanwhile, cornerback and kick returner Chris Carr and outside linebacker Jarret Johnson didn’t practice due to back spasms.
Harbaugh described the injuries as minor.
"Those are all things you can work through," Harbaugh said.
The Ravens also held out wide receiver Demetrius Williams due to his right hamstring injury.
"You just need to be careful with it," Harbaugh said.
Williams, who has battled durability problems throughout his career and underwent ankle/Achilles tendon surgery last fall, said he didn’t reaggravate the leg.
"I’m not hurt," he said. "I really just need some rest."
Wide receiver and kick returner Yamon Figurs is still having issues with his surgically repaired foot and left the field midway through the practice.
"He had the surgery in there, so sometimes the muscles will cramp up a little bit when they get fatigued," Harbaugh said. "It’s just a matter of endurance in some of the small muscles in the foot. The more he practices, the more endurance he’s going to get."
Wide receiver Ernie Wheelwright was taken off the field Sunday after suffering a knee contusion when he collided with strong safety Dawan Landry.
"He hit my hip," Landry said. "I think it hurt him more than it hurt me."
Also not practicing or limited: linebacker Terrell Suggs (strained heel), cornerback Samari Rolle (neck), offensive tackle Stefan Rodgers (foot, calf), wide receiver Biren Ealy (groin) and quarterback John Beck (right shoul der).
FEELING THE HEAT: The Ravens endured perhaps their longest, hottest practice of training camp after having the morning off, working for three hours in sweltering conditions during the afternoon.
"It didn’t seem that bad," Harbaugh said with a smile. "Was it our longest practice? We don’t really time them. We just have certain things we want to get done.
"We felt like we needed it. Our guys are working hard, and we felt like we needed to get some things done."
Added rookie tight end Davon Drew: "The heat feels bad, of course, but we made it through and this is part of football."
For the most part, the Ravens seemed equipped to handle the conditions despite the oppressive heat.
"It’s not like we’re going to come here for a long practice and be worried about whether the guys can hold up," Harbaugh said. "They work hard the whole practice. They don’t pace themselves, which is really important. Hopefully, we get better as a team."
ANGERED: Mt. Harbaugh exploded Sunday afternoon.
The object of his ire was an ESPN The Magazine crew that was casually stretching out on the ground behind the end zone, lounging under an umbrella as if they were enjoying a wonderful day at the beach.
Delivering a few choice expletives, Harbaugh had them thrown out of practice by a public relations official under his year-old policy that no one sits down or lays down at practice.
"When you come to Baltimore, you learn the rules," Harbaugh yelled. "This isn’t a country club. Get them out of here."
Later, Harbaugh reinforced his stance during an interview with local reporters.
"Nobody lays down at Ravens practice or sits," he said. "That was disrespectful to you guys."
QUICK HITS: Wide receiver Marcus Smith was officially placed on injured reserve after clearing waivers when he was designated as waived-injured on Saturday. Smith is out for the season with a torn anterior cruciate ligament. … Harbaugh yelled at wide receiver Justin Harper for attempting a one-handed catch. Harper turned in one spectacular one-handed catch for a touchdown from quarterback Joe Flacco. He also dropped another routine pass, continuing his cycle of inconsistency. … Rookie linebacker Willie VanDeSteeg intercepted a Troy Smith pass, but fumbled his attempted lateral with safety Haruki Nakamura recovering the football.
Aaron Wilson covers the Baltimore Ravens for the Carroll County Times and the Annapolis Capital.
