BLOG: Yanda Out, Lewis Absent, Starters To Step Up
First of all, it's good to be back to work! I have been away for about a week and am playing major catch-up with both the Orioles and the Ravens today. The good news is, as of next Friday I can focus solely on the Ravens since Baltimore Baseball Tonight will be coming to an end on August 26th. With that being said, please stop by Pickles Pub for our last broadcast and say goodbye (or hello if we haven't met before).
Ravens practice today ended around 3:15 p.m. instead of the usual 4:30 p.m. and coach Harbaugh addressed the media shortly after. First, Marshal Yanda -- who is still experiencing back spasms -- will be out for the remainder of the week and will not play in Friday night's game against the Chiefs. With the offensive line already in shambles, O'Neil Cousins will take over at right guard Jah Reid, who is still trying to prove he can be an NFL starter, will be the right tackle.
Bryan Mattison -- son of former Defensive Coordinator Greg Mattison -- will replace Matt Birk at center on Friday, who recently underwent knee surgery. Coach Harbaugh was very impressed with the job Mattison did in the first preseason game against the Eagles so is not concerned the first-year starter (pre-season starter) can handle the job.
"He actually did a very nice job," Harbaugh said." That was a big game for him. That was a game where the guy had everything on the line. First time he played the position.... If he didn't do well it may have been the last time."
On a side note, Ray Lewis did not practice today due to a family matter. According to Harbaugh, there is no timetable for his return.
- Coach Harbaugh also said starters will play "well into the second quarter" on Friday night. Some veterans, including Ed Reed and Ray Lewis, however, will be pulled early.
