The Ravens made a noteworthy addition last week by signing veteran right tackle Austin Howard Friday afternoon.
But they have yet to see the 6-foot-7 lineman suit up for practice. Howard was not on the field Saturday or Monday, and Head Coach John Harbaugh said his status is in the hands of the medical staff.
"When they tell us he can practice, we will coach him," he said.
Harbaugh did not specify what it keeping Howard sidelined.
Howard dealt with shoulder and hamstring injuries last season, but it's unknown if his absence is related to those issues. He certainly underwent medical checks before the Ravens signed him to a three-year contract.
Howard has only been out of football for a couple weeks, as the Oakland Raiders released him July 28. He is in Baltimore at the team facility, and the Ravens hope to get him on the field soon where he's expected to be the team's starting right tackle.
Here were some of the other news and notes from Monday's practice:
- Quarterback Joe Flacco (back), wide receiver Breshad Perriman (hamstring) and cornerback Marlon Humphrey (undisclosed) didn't practice. Harbaugh described Humphrey as "day-to-day" and said he was hoping the first-round pick would practice today. Harbaugh didn't provide any updated timetable for when Flacco or Perriman will return.
- Former Ravens receiver Steve Smith Sr. was in the building watching practice as part of his role for the NFL Network. He spent most of practice chatting with General Manager Ozzie Newsome on the sideline, and his former teammates, coaches and staff members were certainly glad to see him back in the building. Smith then caught up with receivers Jeremy Maclin and Mike Wallace for a fun interview after practice.
- Tight ends Benjamin Watson (Achilles tendon) and Maxx Williams (knee) seem to be making good strides in their recoveries. Watson appears to be getting open more consistently and he's shown a good burst on several occasions. Williams is also running with more fluidity in his step. Both players caught several passes Monday, which is a good sign for the short-handed tight end group.
- Maclin looks like he's getting more comfortable in the offense. He made an impressive diving snag over the middle of the field during 11-on-11 drills, which is exactly the kind of play the Ravens hope to see from him this season.
- Cornerback Brandon Carr pulled down an interception on a pass intended for receiver Chris Moore. The veteran cornerback always seems to be in the right place, and that helps explain why he's been so consistent throughout his career.
- Safety Tony Jefferson came up with nice interception in 11-on-11 drills that he might have been able to return for a touchdown. Jefferson has said he plans to make plenty of big plays this year, and he's made several of them already in camp.
- Undrafted rookie cornerback Jaylen Hill is quietly making a name for himself. He had an interception during seven-on-seven drills, and he's had a few strong practices in a row. With injuries to Tavon Young and Maurice Canady, the Ravens are looking for someone to step up in the cornerback group. Hill could be that player.
