The Ravens are relatively healthy right now, but there are some banged up rookies.
Before training camp, Baltimore placed third-round outside linebacker Adisa Isaac on the non-football injury list and fourth-round cornerback T.J. Tampa on the physically unable to perform list.
Tampa participated in Organized Team Activities while Isaac has been sidelined since rookie minicamp. After Saturday's practice, Head Coach John Harbaugh provided an update on the two and undrafted rookie Yvandy Rigby.
"Rigby [and Isaac], those guys are [working through a] soft tissue, lower leg [injury] – the typical things that happen to rookies sometimes coming off the Combine and all that," Harbaugh said. "Adisa has been struggling with that since before the Combine. [For] Rigby, [it's been] since right around getting here – the Combine or whatever.
"Tampa had the sports hernia surgery, so those are all not unusual [injuries]. [It's] certainly frustrating for those guys. They want to be out here, but you can't bring them out too soon, or they do it again, and then you have [to wait] another five to six weeks. So, we're trying to do right by those guys, and honestly, hold them back just a little bit, so when they come back, they're ready to go."
Michael Pierce Endorses Andrew Vorhees
Nose tackle Michael Pierce gets to see the offensive line competition up close and personal, and he had some high praise for guard Andrew Vorhees.
"Vorhees is going to be really good," Pierce said. "He's just learning and getting back."
Vorhees is coming off a redshirt season after tearing his ACL at the 2023 Combine, and he seems to be the favorite at left guard right now. For someone that hasn't played in a game in well over a year, growing pains are expected, but Pierce likes what he sees already.
Pierce also showed some love to defensive tackle Travis Jones, who could be in for a breakout year in 2024.
Former Ravens Coaches Tried to Sign Away Brent Urban
Defensive end Brent Urban hit free agency this offseason and there was no shortage of former Ravens coming after him.
After Saturday's practice, Pierce revealed that 2023 Ravens coaches Anthony Weaver (now defensive coordinator of the Dolphins) and Mike Macdonald (now head coach of the Seahawks) were trying to ink Urban to a deal.
"He texted me before he had [to] make his decision," Pierce said. "... That's a brother to me, [and he's] one of my best friends in the league. [I'm] super, super excited, and I'm glad he did shoot me a text and let me know [that] 'Weave' and Coach Mike were trying to poach him. [I'm] glad to have him back, for sure."
Charlie Kolar Looking Good as a Blocker
The Ravens likely have the league's best one-two punch at tight end in Mark Andrews and Isaiah Likely, but Charlie Kolar is making strides as a blocker. With Andrews and Likely being great pass-catchers, Kolar will be asked to do some more of the dirty work this season.
So far, Tight Ends Coach George Godsey likes what he sees.
"I think you're going to see a big jump from him. He's made a huge [stride] from, not only just Year One to [Year] Two, but now [Year] Two to [Year] Three]," Godsey said. "I think you're going to see a big jump – he's working extra, again he's another guy that's capable of taking in a lot of information – both in the run game and the pass game. He's going to make his mark physically at the line of scrimmage controlling the defender. I'm excited about what he's doing."
