The Ravens wore shorts and had a light Day 9 training camp session in preparation for hosting the Jacksonville Jaguars this coming week. The teams have a pair of practices and a preseason game.
There were also no fireworks like the previous day when cornerback/returner Cyrus Jones was kicked out of practice by coach John Harbaugh.
The most eye-raising part of the day was that right guard Marshal Yanda missed his third practice in the last four days. Coach John Harbaugh said Yanda has been battling a minor ankle/foot injury, but nothing serious.
“Yanda is not a serious injury. He had a little ankle/foot thing,” Harbaugh said. “He wanted to practice today, and I’m like, ‘Eh. How about we just take it easy for today?’ “
Also missing practice were offensive linemen Alex Lewis (PUP) and Randin Crecelius.
Safety Earl Thomas; RB Mark Ingram and DB Anthony Levine received a veteran day off.
Backup quarterback Robert Griffin III is out with a fracture in his right hand, but he was throwing the ball with a glove. This is an encouraging sign that he might be ready for the regular-season opener.
Starter Lamar Jackson clearly had more zip on his passes. With the exception of overthrowing a pair of receivers, Jackson was mostly sharp in the 11-on-11 drills.
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Jackson was especially impressive on one particular play when he scampered out of the right side of the pocket to avoid a cornerback blitz by Tavon Young and threw a tight touchdown pass to Mark Andrews.
“I’m really pleased with the passing game,” Harbaugh said. “The offense is always a little bit behind the defense. You can never predict where it’s going to go, but it’s been really good. It’s been crisp and sharp. Our defense just says, ‘Hey, it’s a lot of stuff to defend.’ We have a lot of guys out there making plays. As a coach, it makes me happy. I’m excited about it.”
Rookie receiver Miles Boykin continued his stellar camp with a couple of deft grabs along the sideline. He has been the most impressive receiver in camp.
Second-year receiver Jaleel Scott let out a growl after dropping an easy screen pass. He made up for the gaffe later in practice with an impressive over-the-shoulder touchdown reception.
Hayden Hurst has emerged as one of the most physical players in camp. In one sequence, he caught a pass across the middle and sent cornerback Stanley Jean-Baptiste sprawling backward after contact.
Running back De’Lance Turner flashed among the running backs with some nice catches and a few hard runs.
The Jaguars are due Monday. The biggest question is whether Jaylen Ramsey will show up with another brinks truck?
‘This year, the Jaguars called,” Harbaugh said. “Their GM [David Caldwell] and our GM, Eric [DeCosta], are very close. It felt like maybe something that would work, and it worked out. Of course, with the Eagles, [head coach] Doug Pederson, we have a good relationship with them just like we did with [Colts head coach] Frank Reich last year and the teams last year. So, yes, it’s good.”
