OWINGS MILLS – Ravens are officially one week away from their first preseason game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at M&T Bank Stadium.
Missing from practice on Thursday: Jimmy Smith had another person day today, Alex Lewis (shoulder), Randin Creclius, Brandon Wiliams (vet day), and Brandon Carr (vet day)
In the past 24 hours the Ravens have signed two players, one linebacker and one safety. Nicholas Grigsby signed undrafted with the Los Angeles Rams in 2016. He was put on waivers in September and was then signed with the Ravens' practice squad shortly after. The Patriots signed Grigsby off of Baltimores' practice squad and was released by them a year later. Grigsby signed with the Lions last November and was released a few months later.
"Brynden was here for numerous years, and then Nick Grigsby was here for a cup of coffee, I think. But then, he went and did so well for himself. So, it's good to have those guys back. Brynden has been a guy that was a guy that we really wanted to keep when he left, and we weren't able to do it financially. But, to have him back, put him in the mix, those guys will be competing to make the team, and we'll see what happens."
Trawick signed with the Ravens as an undrafted free agent in 2013. Trawick signed with the Raiders early in 2016. He then signed with the Titans a year later.
Ben Powers still took reps at left guard with the 1st stringers on Thursday. However, Jermaine Eluemunor did take a couple reps with the 1st string but Powers held the position majority of the practice. Bradley Bozeman held the position at center with the 2nd stringers.
In the 1-on-1 drills Matt Judon knocked the ball out of Nick Boyle's hands that led the crowd to a loud cheer. Justice Hill had to jump for the ball but completed it from Joe Callahan. Hill has been impressive throughout camp however he still has things to work on John Harbaugh said on Thursday.
"The thing I've been impressed with, when the pads have been on, he's looked solid in pass protection, which for a little bit of a smaller back is something you always concern yourself with. Once we get in there where we're tackling and we're playing against somebody, I think Jacksonville will be interesting for those young guys, of course the game. Especially with running backs, I think that's when you really get a chance to evaluate them more."
Of course, Miles Boykin was a main target during camp on Thursday. During 11-on-11, Boykin went up against Anthony Averett who knocked the ball out of Boykin's hands. Another rookie, Jaylon Ferguson, made a play when he deflected a ball and ended up catching it for an interception. Lamar Jackson connected with Mark Andrews on a short pass when he was covered by Anthony Levine Sr. Andrews had to reach for a pass that was thrown through the middle by Jackson in the 7-on-7 drills.
The Ravens have two more practices until the Jacksonville Jaguars come to town. Jaguars come to Baltimore for a combined practice with the Ravens on Monday and Tuesday, with the first preseason game Thursday night.
