With Tyler Linderbaum (soft tissue) not practicing on Monday, several players took reps at center.
Head Coach John Harbaugh said a decision had not been made on Linderbaum's backup for 2024.
"It is an open competition right now, and you have Patrick Mekari in that mix, too," Harbaugh said. "We're going to work Ben [Cleveland], we're going to work [Andrew] Vorhees in there. We're going to work all of those guys."
Harbaugh said the Ravens would not rush their Pro Bowl center back into action.
"Tyler is out right now – they're kind of evaluating him – he had some discomfort, and we're going to hold him out," Harbaugh said. "We're going to be very cautious with Tyler, obviously. There is not anything he needs right now in terms of practice, so we'll kind of rest him up there."
Ravens to Get Tackling Test in Preseason Opener
Hosting the Philadelphia Eagles during Friday night's preseason opener will give the defense a chance to work on live tackling against an opponent. Harbaugh said he thought the Ravens were doing a good job preparing for that challenge.
"We do a lot of drills – we really work on the angle," Harbaugh said. "A lot of times, good tackling is a function of being in good position to make a tackle, which has to do with getting there quickly, in other words, playing with great effort, getting off blocks the way you're supposed to, [and] taking a proper angle.
"If you do that, you're generally going to make tackles, and then your partner is there to help clean the tackle up – that's what ends up being good tackling. Within that, we try to teach good technique, and then we'll coach it on the film and tape once we get into the game."
Friday May Answer Some Offensive Line Questions
The Ravens have not named their regular season starter at left guard, right guard, or right tackle. Harbaugh said Friday's game might provide some clarity at several positions, not just offensive line.
"I think we'll get a lot of questions answers in this game in terms of where everybody's at this time in a real game situation," Harbaugh said. "Blocking, tackling, catching the ball, how we handle our assignments, things like that will be very interesting."
Malik Harrison Cares About Playing More Than Which Position He Plays
Linebacker Malik Harrison is a valuable member of the defense as a physical player who can play inside, outside and on special teams. Harrison doesn't worry about how he'll be utilized, he just wants to be part of the action.
"I feel like, with this defense, the more you know, the better you're going to get on the field," Harrison said. "Playing more positions, gives me the opportunity to get on the field more."
Harrison is looking forward to making his fifth season his best.
"It's a critical year for me; I'm on a one-year deal," Harrison said. "I'll just try to get on the field more, make more plays and just have people feel my presence."
