Second-year cornerback and third-round pick David Pittman returned to the field today for the team's final minicamp before training camp at the practice facility in Owings Mills. Although he didn't wear a helmet and was limited to running on his own, Pittman said his pulled left hamstring is healing.

"It's getting a lot, lot better than what it was," Pittman said of the hamstring that he injured during the first minicamp in early May. "I'm just taking things slow and getting back into the swing of things."

Pittman, who has been forced to watch, said he doesn't believe the injury will seriously hamper his ability to compete for more playing time this season.

"As long as I pick up where I left off in time for training camp, I think I'll be fine," he said.

Fellow cornerback Evan Oglesby appeared to be joining Pittman on the sideline as he limped off the practice field during 7-on-7 passing drills with a sore right heel. But after noticing that it was his turn on defense, Oglesby ignored the pain and intercepted rookie quarterback Cullen Finnerty on the very next play.

"I was about to go out and get taped, but it wasn't over yet," Oglesby said. "I just went out there and toughed it up and made a play. I've got to learn how to play hurt, so I guess this is teaching me how to play hurt and perform at a high level."

Rookie quarterback Troy Smith has had his ups and downs in practice. He's thrown away a few passes and missed a few receivers, but his height (6 feet) hasn't been an issue, and he connected with rookie wide receiver Matt Willis on what would have been a 25-yard touchdown pass during a 7-on-7 drill.

"My comfort level is continuously rising, and it's on an incline," Smith said. "There can be days where some of the stuff can be overwhelming, but the staff does a great job in helping me come back down to earth and letting me know that it's going to be a long process. I feel good thus far."