OWINGS MILLS – Barreling toward the line of scrimmage with his helmet jutted into rookie offensive tackle Jah Reid, outside linebacker Sergio Kindle didn’t play football like a man who fractured his skull one year ago.
Sidelined for all of his rookie season after falling down two flights of stairs in a dark house in the middle of the night, the former University of Texas star displayed a burst while grappling with Reid.
Although he struggled in pass coverage and displayed some obvious signs of rust, the former All-Big 12 pass rusher also showed the burst and aggressiveness the Ravens identified in him last year when they picked him in the second round.
Kindle didn’t shy away from banging into teammates after being cleared by several neurological specialists to resume playing football after experiencing problems with his equilibrium and hearing loss stemming from the fall.
The speedy 6-foot-3, 250-pounder was thrown to the ground at one point by Reid and bounced back up.
"I think it’s great for him as a person," Ravens coach John Harbaugh said. "That’s the No. 1 thing, to see what he has overcome and to be out there. He looked good. Obviously, that’s one step. I’m just happy for him.
"He had joy written all over his face. He was even smiling during the conditioning test he was so happy to be here. He practiced well. So, it’s going to be fun to see how he progresses. We’ve got high hopes for him right now."
In the wake of suffering an inch-long hairline fracture in his skull last year, Suggs’ outlook appeared bleak.
Now, it looks like he’ll be able to play again. How effective he’ll be is undetermined.
However, the Ravens’ pass rush could use a boost after recording just 27 sacks last season to set a franchise worst.
Kindle didn’t meet with reporters Thursday, but his play made an impression on his teammates.
"I was speaking to Sergio before we even came back and he told me the doctor cleared him, so I was more ecstatic for him just to hear the news," middle linebacker Ray Lewis said. "He’s a young kid that has a future, and now he can really go out and pursue what he wants to pursue. To see him out there running around and to see the smile on his face just to be back on the football field, there’s just nothing more rewarding than being around that right now."
FOXWORTH IMPRESSES: One year removed from tearing his anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee the day before the official start of camp, Ravens cornerback Domonique Foxworth participated fully and showed that he’s made a sound recovery from his injury.
He didn’t even wear a brace or a sleeve on his surgically-repaired right knee.
Foxworth broke well on the ball, reacting quickly to throws and deflected several passes.
"He didn’t seem to be hesitant at all," Harbaugh said. "He seemed confident and looked strong, so that was a pleasant thing to see."
REID IMPRESSES: Stonewalling veteran linebacker Jarret Johnson and Kindle, Reid made a big impression on the coaches.
After signing his contract and passing his conditioning test, Reid immediately worked with the starting offense at right tackle. The 6-foot-7, 330-pounder looked confident, fluid and nasty.
"He is one of the few linemen to make it through practice, so I think that says a lot about him," Harbaugh said. "He is an athlete. For a man his size, he can really bend and move his feet and he is picking it up fast. We don’t want to overstate it, but so far, so good."
ONLY JIMMY SMITH UNSIGNED: The Ravens’ lone unsigned draft pick is first-round cornerback Jimmy Smith, but the deal is expected to be finalized today.
"When my agent calls me and tells me the deal I will be signed," Smith wrote on his Twitter account. "Trust I wanna be in practice."
The Ravens signed Reid, their third-round draft pick to a $2.6 million four-year deal that includes a $563,240 bonus and base salaries of $375,000, $465,000, $555,000 and $645,000.
Meanwhile, the Ravens also struck deals with fourth-round wide receiver Tandon Doss, fifth-round cornerback Chykie Brown, fifth-round defensive end Pernell McPhee ($2.184 million total, $144,560 bonus), sixth-round quarterback Tyrod Taylor ($2.145 million total, $105,000 bonus) and seventh-round running back Anthony Allen ($50,000 signing bonus).
Taylor was intercepted by Brown during drills. He returned it for a touchdown.
PUP LIST: The Ravens placed offensive guard Ben Grubbs (offseason ankle surgery), offensive tackle Ramon Harewood (knees) and wide receiver David Reed (wrist) on the active physically unable to perform list.
Harbaugh predicted they would be practicing soon.
"Some guys are going to be on the PUP for a short period of time, just so we can make sure that they’re OK," Harbaugh said.
SHORTHANDED: All-Pro safety Ed Reed was excused from practice for family reasons. Reed’s representatives said he could be back by Saturday.
Because of new NFL rules governing restricted free agents, unrestricted free agents and exclusive-rights free agents, a large contingent of Ravens are unable to practice until Aug. 4.
The Ravens were missing offensive linemen Marshal Yanda, Oniel Cousins and Bryan Mattison, linebackers Jameel McClain, Tavares Gooden and Dannell Ellerbe, cornerback Cary Williams, long snapper Morgan Cox, wide receiver Marcus Smith and running backs Jalen Parmele and Curtis Steele.
"We’re short a bunch of guys because of these crazy rules that say your unrestricted free agents can’t practice," Harbaugh said. "
CHESTER SIGNS WITH REDSKINS: Offensive lineman Chris Chester became the third Raven to join the Washington Redskins in the past two days, signing a five-year, $20 million contract.
The Westminster resident will be reunited with former Ravens teammates Josh Wilson and Donte’ Stallworth, who signed with the Redskins on Wednesday.
CRAMPING UP: Pro Bowl outside linebacker Terrell Suggs appeared to have a minor issue with his right hamstring and didn’t practice.
Paul Kruger worked with the first-team defense in his place.
The heat took its toll on several players as fullback Jason McKie was carted off with cramps that also forced wide receivers Torrey Smith and Doss off the field.
Nose guard Brandon McKinney didn’t practice.
QUICK HIT: The Ravens could improve their pass rush by exploring a potential trade for New York Giants defensive end Osi Umenyiora.
Umenyiora is expected to hold out from the Giants training camp.
There’s a rumor circulating about the Ravens being interested in Arizona Cardinals defensive tackle Darnell Dockett due to his interest in a $5 million Ellicott City house. However, Dockett is from Maryland and grew up in Burtonsville.
So, the real estate development may be unrelated to his status.
Reach staff writer Aaron Wilson at 410-857-7896 or sp****@ca****************.com.
