Cousins injured; first look at Slaughter
Chad Slaughter had his first practice with the Ravens this morning, and by the end of it he had become the team's starting left offensive tackle.
Rookie Oniel Cousins, the team's starting right tackle, missed the second half of practice because of a knee injury. Cousins had an ice pack on his right knee as he stood on the sideline.
Slaughter looked quick and fast during the time he worked with the first team. He had explosion, but needed to do a better job of sticking with his blocks. It's amazing that a man of his size could have such small legs.
We'll wait for an update on Cousins, but Mike Kracalik, who was moved from the left side back to the right to replace Cousins, looks a lot more comfortable on the right side than the left. The offensive line had some breakdowns in practice, but for a patched-up group, the unit actually performed well.
-Mike Preston
Comments
Mike, please go find Leon Searcy so he can come back and earn his paycheck! I can't believe ol' Oniel "wish I was a boxer" Cousins got hurt?? Honestly Mike, is this cat better off as a sparring partner for Hassim Rahman or as an offensive tackle in the NFL?
Posted by: Bacon | July 31, 2008 12:02 PM
why are these guys dropping like flies??
lack of conditioning, or is the defense just too tough?
Posted by: g dubbs | July 31, 2008 12:22 PM
These Camp injuries so far have not been catastrophic, but are the types of strains/pulls/tweaks that should be expected in a "real' training camp...something the Ravens haven't seen in a decade.
Whoever survives camp from the O-Line should be in shape, a little nasty, and ready to play. Since we are no longer talking about HOF-caliber lineman, does it really make a difference between Gaither/Terry/Cousins/Slaughter/Krakatoalickmycheek? We'll be running between the tackles and throwing on 1-3 step drops with this Line anyway. Might as well get good at it.
Posted by: Mongo | July 31, 2008 12:39 PM
Mongo make good point. Me agree with Mongo.
Posted by: skaybaltimore | July 31, 2008 1:26 PM
Good point Mongo.
Posted by: Sam | July 31, 2008 1:39 PM
Yo Mongo, you be Da Man.
Posted by: Fang Guy | July 31, 2008 1:49 PM
the defense is just beating the crap outta these guys
Posted by: rex | July 31, 2008 1:56 PM
Mongo, will you marry me?
Posted by: Erica | July 31, 2008 2:30 PM
Sure, the injuries aren't catastrophic. Yet. But, this O-Line needs as many reps together as they can get.
Posted by: Guru | July 31, 2008 2:42 PM
Me like MANGO too!! lol
Posted by: Ali Vali | July 31, 2008 2:53 PM
Mongo, I hear you talking SOLDIER. That's a great point!
Posted by: Bacon | July 31, 2008 3:26 PM
I think Harbaugh is finding out why Billick went to the lighter contact practices. I believe the defense was hurting too many of the offense and it seems to be the case once again. I think Billick adopted Camp Crampuff the year after Jamal went down in camp costing them a shot at another Lombardi.
Posted by: old19fan | July 31, 2008 3:32 PM
Mongo speak truth.
OL sucks, and will suck.
QBs need call Lloyd's of London for life insurance.
Posted by: easywriter01 | July 31, 2008 3:42 PM
Aw. Mongo shy. He need ask Sheriff Bart what do about marriage proposal from Erica. Mongo figure since this football message board, people remember Mongo actually Alex Karras, former football player. Mongo get all weepy with joy over that.
Posted by: skaybaltimore | July 31, 2008 5:40 PM
i agree, the defense is just abusing the offense, theres been like 8 OL injuries...and i think 2 for the DL. this is good for the offense because during the season, we dont want shaun rogers and corey williams embarassing the OL. they need to get used to it.
Posted by: ahsan | July 31, 2008 6:23 PM
It seems that Billick was much smarter with working with his players. He had them in shape for the games. Inexperienced, and over-anxious Harbaugh better tone down his Camp Creamed or he'll lose his players to injuries before the season starts.
Posted by: Jim | July 31, 2008 8:59 PM
Mongo said it all.
Posted by: POPSinPA | July 31, 2008 10:33 PM
Jim, ask MANGO what he thinks before you speak sonny boy!!
Posted by: Ali Vali | July 31, 2008 10:56 PM