STAR OF THE DAY
Ray Rice
The rookie running back from Rutgers continues to be the star of training camp, as last year’s starter, Willis McGahee, is out with an injured left knee. Rice gets most of the reps with the first team offense and will be the starter for the preseason opener Thursday at the New England Patriots.
PLAY OF THE DAY
Haruki Nakamura
The rookie cornerback has developed a knack for being in the right place at the right time. He came up with another interception during Tuesday’s practice, as he snagged a pass that bounced off the helmet of rookie wideout Justin Harper on a pass thrown by quarterback Joe Flacco.
YOU SHOULD HAVE SEEN
Kyle Boller
The quarterback will start under center against the Patriots. But he was in a jovial mood on Tuesday, as he tried to lighten the mood by trying to hit a barn about 30 yards from the practice field with a football. The ball clanged off the roof.
QUARTERBACK BATTLE
Boller didn’t have the smoothest practice, as several of passes were dropped and he also overthrew some of his receivers. Flacco was intercepted by linebacker Nick Greisen and Nakamura. Flacco also had several passes that nearly were intercepted or knocked down. Smith had the best throw of the day when he connected for a 60-yard touchdown throw to wideout Kerry Reed.
TRAINING CAMP GUIDE
Here is the Ravens’ practice schedule for the rest of the week. Morning and afternoon practices usually last about two hours. Please check their Web site, as times are subject to change.
- Today: Closed to public
- Thursday: Preseason game at New England Patriots, 7:30 p.m.
- Friday: no practice
- Saturday: 8:45 a.m. and 2 p.m. (special teams)
- Sunday: 8:45 a.m. and 2 p.m.
Directions: From I-695, take Exit 19 onto I-795 North. Follow signs to Westminster via Route 140 West to Route 31. At blinking light, turn left onto Route 31. At first traffic light, turn left onto Main Street. Proceed up hill and the entrance to the Ravens’ visitor parking is on the left.
Parking: Visitors are encouraged to park at McDaniel College’s Bair Stadium, which is adjacent to Main Street.
Autograph alert: The Ravens make most of their players accessible for autographs after each practice, with fans asked to lineup next to the fences and ropes surrounding the field. Kids 14 years and younger can get prime spots behind the end zone closest to the field house. Players are more likely to sign autographs for kids who are polite and bring a pen.
STOCK MARKET
RISING
Kyle Boller
The quarterback is in the fight for his professional future this season. He has yet to separate himself from Joe Flacco and Troy Smith, but he played well enough in training camp to earn the start on Thursday night against New England.
FALLING
Willis McGahee
The running back’s injured left knee continues to keep him on the sidelines. It’s unknown how long he will be out, but each practice he misses provides rookie Ray Rice with another opportunity to prove why he should take McGahee’s place atop the depth chart.
