The Baltimore Ravens have been working through plenty of injuries over the course of the first few weeks of 2021 training camp. While the team is hoping to get healthy sooner rather than later, guys sitting out have given other players opportunities to step up and make a name for themselves.
On Thursday, Baltimore was missing wide receivers Marquise Brown, Rashod Bateman, Miles Boykin and Deon Cain due to injuries. That provided the chance for players such as Sammy Watkins, James Proche II, Devin Duvernay, and Tylan Wallace to impress during reps.
Put this in the FWIW department: Ravens receivers caught 22 of 23 passes in red-zone 1-on-1s vs. DBs.
Not all of them scored or were quick hitters. Still impressive.
— Jonas Shaffer (@jonas_shaffer) August 12, 2021
Red zone drill with receivers in the 5-yard line. 1v1 against DBs.
WRs won every rep.
Sammy Watkins went up against Marcus Peters twice.
First rep, a double move had Peters staring at the turf knowing he was beat.
Second one Watkins leaped over him. Keith Williams celebrating.— Kyle P Barber (@KylePBarber) August 12, 2021
Early in the day, Jackson threw a nice deep ball down the sideline for Watkins, but Anthony Averett played it perfectly and broke up the pass. After missing a couple of days because of the conditioning test, Averett has looked good.
— Bo Smolka (@bsmolka) August 12, 2021
Harbaugh was having an ongoing animated conversation with several members of secondary late in practice. He seemed annoyed at a particular coverage played and was letting guys know about it. Conversation was particularly animated with Peters, Elliott.
— Jeff Zrebiec (@jeffzrebiec) August 12, 2021
The beaten up offensive line continues to struggle. Their inability to provide protection has stymied the development of the Ravens passing game.
— Tony Lombardi (@RSRLombardi) August 12, 2021
Ar’Darius Washington with a pass defenses against Victor. Pass from McSorley.
— Kyle P Barber (@KylePBarber) August 12, 2021
Ravens offense is struggling with screens but give them credit for trying. The best was a screen to Mason but all others have been mostly failures. One screen delivered by McSorley hit off the hands of McCrary and into the arms of Kristian Welch for a pick six.
— Tony Lombardi (@RSRLombardi) August 12, 2021
Ravens have wrapped up practice. Watkins had a nice day. Kristian Welch and DeShon Elliott had interceptions. Pernell McPhee and Siaosi Mariner both left practice early.
— Jeff Zrebiec (@jeffzrebiec) August 12, 2021
Ravens' Thursday recap
⛏️Kristian Welch, DeShon Elliott both had picks off deflections
💪Devin Duvernay, Sammy Watkins had strong days
📸Rookie S Brandon Stephens flashed in coverage and on blitzes
🏥Rashod Bateman (groin) will undergo surgery— Jamison Hensley (@jamisonhensley) August 12, 2021
Even though there were multiple deflections that resulted in interceptions, it’s encouraging to see players stepping up in the absence of so many receivers. Other guys who made big plays on Thursday included Brandon Stephens, Ar’Darius Washington, and Kristian Welch, with Lamar Jackson also having a good day of practice himself. The Ravens will play their first preseason game on Saturday against the New Orleans Saints, where a lot of guys will look to make a big impact as they try to earn a roster spot.