Baltimore Ravens Training Camp News and Notes: August 3

Owings Mills, Md.—Both left tackle Bryant McKinnie and defensive lineman Haloti Ngata were at practice today after they passed their conditioning test. McKinnie was in full uniform, and Ngata was in shoulder pads and shorts. Neither participated in contact drills.

The Ravens began today's practice, as usual, with special teams work. Punter Sam Koch reminded everyone how masterful he is, as he was booming punts with tremendous accuracy.

At one point, after two consecutive false starts, Koch hit a 50-yard-plus punt that bounced out of bounds at the one-half-yard line.

When the Ravens moved to team drills, there were segments of practice when the defense would shut down the offense, and then, the offense would answer right back.

Especially in the red zone, Joe Flacco showed tremendous accuracy fitting passes into tight windows. Ed Dickson was the recipient of one of those passes, a reception close to the ground in-between defenders, that resulted in a touchdown.

Tyrod Taylor (who turned 23 today) showed that same accuracy, as he hit LaQuan Williams and Dorian Graham for touchdowns on back-to-back plays. Williams continues to have a very impressive camp. He's a good route-runner and has dependable hands to go along with his special teams abilities.

Another player who has been getting quality reps in the passing game is tight end Davon Drew. Since Dennis Pitta broke his hand earlier this week, Drew has been lining up at tight end and in the slot on the Ravens' first-team offense.

Tommy Streeter is making the most of his opportunities as well. Streeter displayed savvy hands, both in separation off the line and while making contested catches. He's definitely a player to watch.

Outside linebacker Sergio Kindle took a bunch of reps at defensive end with the first-team defense today—the position he excelled at while in college.

Like Kindle, the Ravens continue to diversify their players, putting them at different positions. Right now, it's a mix-and-match process. When they get some actual games under their belt and figure out who fits where, you're likely to see more things take shape.

At the conclusion of practice, right guard Marshal Yanda offered some inspiration to his teammates: "Embrace the grind."

Notes:

• Jimmy Smith and Matt Birk were out of practice, both due to back injuries.
• The Ravens released guard/tackle Paul Madsen.
• Kicker Justin Tucker hit five of his six field goal attempts (the lone miss was a 60-yard attempt that was just short).