OWINGS MILLS, Md. — The Ravens had two notable additions to the training camp practice fields Aug. 6, and the player the fans hoped to see will be on the practice fields shortly.
Running back Gus Edwards returned from the reserve/COVID-19 list, and outside linebacker Justin Houston took part in his first practice as a Raven, but quarterback Lamar Jackson remained sidelined on the reserve/COVID-19 list, missing his eighth straight practice.
However, the Ravens activated Jackson after practice Aug. 6, meaning he’ll likely practice for the first time this summer on Saturday, Aug. 7. The Ravens then are off on Sunday, Aug. 8.
Head coach John Harbaugh said that Jackson was at the Ravens’ facility Aug. 6 and was undergoing more testing per the league’s COVID protocols before he could take the field.
“That’s all in the protocol, and he’ll be back as soon as he can be,” Harbaugh said. “I’m excited for that and looking forward to it.”
Edwards, meanwhile, went through a fairly normal workload in his first day back from the COVID list.
“He looked real good,” Harbaugh said. “You could tell he was working out” during his COVID absence. Edwards tested positive before training camp began, and per NFL COVID protocols, unvaccinated players who test positive must quarantine for 10 days, though that could be longer if symptoms persist.
“He was actually able to train on his own in the last 10 days, and he sure looked like it today,” Harbaugh said.
Houston had a five-day COVID intake window after being signed by the Ravens last week, and he took the field for the first time as a Raven, wearing No. 48. Houston briefly took part in a few individual drills at a blocking sled with the other outside linebackers, then went in with a trainer.
“That was part of the plan with Justin,” Harbaugh said. “We’re going to have to work him back in.”
TRAINING CAMP NOTEBOOK
CB JIMMY SMITH CARTED OFF WITH LEG INJURY: Veteran cornerback Jimmy Smith was carted off the field late in practice with a potentially serious right leg injury. Smith appeared to get tangled up with tight end Mark Andrews on a pass play over the middle, and after he went to the ground, Smith could not put any weight on his right leg. Trainers helped him from the field and then ultimately drove him inside on a cart. Head coach John Harbaugh had no update on Smith shortly after practice.
Smith, who turned 33 last week, was re-signed to a one-year deal for his 11th season with the Ravens. But a variety of injuries have hobbled him throughout his career. The Ravens’ first-round draft pick in 2011, Smith has played all 16 games just twice in 10 previous seasons. Smith missed five games last season, totaling 27 tackles and one sack.
WR RASHOD BATEMAN JOINS BROWN, BOYKIN ON SIDELINE: Rookie first-round pick Rashod Bateman missed his second practice of training camp, joining receivers Marquise Brown (hamstring) and Miles Boykin (hamstring) on the sideline. Offensive guard Kevin Zeitler (foot) missed his second straight workout after leaving practice early on Aug. 3.
Defensive lineman Brandon Williams returned to the field after missing two practices, while safety DeShon Elliott and defensive back Nigel Warrior were absent. Harbaugh said Elliott was dealing with an illness, though he specified that it was not COVID-related, and Warrior had left practice Aug. 5 with what looked to be a knee injury. The only other new absence was inside linebacker Barrington Wade (undisclosed).
In addition to Jackson, others who have remained out throughout training camp include tight end Nick Boyle (knee), tight end Jake Breeland (knee), tackle Ja’Wuan James (Achilles) and tackle Ronnie Stanley (ankle).
SAFETIES SHINE: With DeShon Elliott sitting out practice, several other safeties made big plays for the Ravens. Rookie third-round pick Brandon Stephens got a lot of quality reps and has drawn rave reviews from defensive coordinator Don “Wink” Martindale. Safety Anthony Levine intercepted a pass as he stepped in front of a Tyler Huntley throw intended for tight end Eli Wolf.
Second-year safety Geno Stone had a nice sequence during an 11-on-11 period as well. On one play, Stone pursued running back Justice Hill across the field for a would-be tackle, and then Stone came in untouched on a safety blitz for what would have been a sack. A few plays later, Stone had one of the harder hits of practice on running back J.K. Dobbins.
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