Ahead of their Saturday preseason matchup, the Baltimore Ravens began their joint practices with the Carolina Panthers on Wednesday. It was good for both teams to add some intensity to their practices while going up against different players instead of their teammates.
During Wednesday’s practice, running back Ty’Son Williams and wide receiver James Proche II were among the standouts who impressed. Proche has put together a great training camp so far, so his success comes as no surprise. Williams has emerged as a true candidate for the third running back spot on the team, which many believed Justice Hill would be this year.
Here are some notes from the first day of the joint practices.
Notable absences at Ravens-Panthers practice: Jimmy Smith, Justice Hill, Otaro Alaka and Aaron Crawford.
Here but not practicing: Hollywood Brown, Deon Cain, Marlon Humphrey, Greg Mancz, Ronnie Stanley and Miles Boykin.
— Jonas Shaffer (@jonas_shaffer) August 18, 2021
Ty’Son Williams just put a blitzing Panthers LB on his ass in pickup. My god.
— Jonas Shaffer (@jonas_shaffer) August 18, 2021
James Proche and Mark Andrews the standout receivers today. No surprise there.
Lamar Jackson hasn’t missed often. But pass protection, also no surprise, has been an issue in 11-on-11. Ravens doing better in one-on-ones.
— Jonas Shaffer (@jonas_shaffer) August 18, 2021
Ravens DT Derek Wolfe was down on field for a while after landing on his back. He got up and walked gingerly to sideline.
— Jeff Zrebiec (@jeffzrebiec) August 18, 2021
Good sign for the Ravens that Derek Wolfe is still in pads and on the sideline.
He was lying pretty still after a collision up front and had to be tended to by an athletic trainer.
— Jonas Shaffer (@jonas_shaffer) August 18, 2021
WR Sammy Watkins was limited to 1-on-1s mostly today. G Ben Cleveland didn’t do too much, either.
— Jonas Shaffer (@jonas_shaffer) August 18, 2021
J.K. Dobbins lost a fumble at one point of practice and he tossed his helmet in frustration.
— Jeff Zrebiec (@jeffzrebiec) August 18, 2021
TE Mark Andrews on teammate James Proche, who was the Ravens offensive standout today. "Pro's out here catching the ball like no one's business." Proche had offensive play of day with a leaping catch down far sideline. Also caught a deep pass over top in 2-minute drill.
— Jeff Zrebiec (@jeffzrebiec) August 18, 2021
Williams has taken advantage of Justice Hill not being available over the last few days, which is a good sign for his chances of making the final roster. Other standouts besides Williams and Proche included Lamar Jackson, Sammy Watkins (in limited action) Mark Andrews, Justin Madubuike, Marcus Peters and Ar’Darius Washington.