Ravens Training Camp: Thursday Recap

The Baltimore Ravens held Thursday's training camp practice indoors at their Under Armour Performance Center. According to Sr. VP, Public & Community Relations Kevin Byrne, head coach John Harbaugh said, "We came inside to get out of the heat," and "we had a sharp, crisp practice."

Noticeable on the sidelines was TE Dennis Pitta, whose left hand was wrapped in an Ace bandage after undergoing surgery the other day. Veteran center Matt Birk was given another day off, with his position manned by a combination of players.

With Michael Oher on the left side at tackle, rookie Kelechi Osemele was on the right side and exhibits a freakishly athletic ability for a guy his size. The battles between him and OLB Sergio Kindle were particularly ferocious, making one wonder if they will tangle in the first fisticuffs of training camp.

(Read more on Thursday's practice after the 'Jump')

Veteran placekicker Billy Cundiff took all of the reps while rookie Jason Tucker watched from the sidelines. Special Teams coach Jerry Rosberg said the two will rotate with days off, adding that the difference between the two is that the veteran refines his technique while the rookie learns his.

The biggest news of the day might have been seeing CB Jimmy Smith down on the ground on his hands and knees wit the trainers kneeling around him and ultimately walking with him off the field with Smith under his own power, albeit gingerly. No word on the extent of the situation.

QB Joe Flacco continues to calmly lead the offense, at one point driving the team downfield against the first-team offense in four plays,culminating in a short TD pass. Offensive coordinator Cam Cameron spoke about Flacco's ability to play with the guys he has at his disposal regardless of the situation. "focus on what you can control," Cameron said in reference to how Flacco handles personnel changes due to injuries.

On the progression of second round draft pick Kelechi Osemele, Cameron added, "big, athletic, tough football player."

Defensive coordinator Dean Pees took to the podium and discussed getting the feel for this year's version of the Ravens defense. He said new players are contributing, and need to learn the system, which he said, "our terminology is really different."

The Ravens are back on the practice field in Owings Mills on Friday afternoon before heading to M&T Bank Stadium for the first of three open practices for fans around the area, starting this Saturday at 5pm.