After an erratic preseason cost him his starting job, return specialist Lamont Brightful is now likely to get an extended chance to do what the Ravens drafted him for.
Brightful is expected to be the team's primary kickoff returner for Sunday's game at Atlanta in place of Robert Tate, who fumbled twice in the 31-18 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers.
"I was just waiting to get that opportunity," said Brightful, who returned the last four kickoffs for 75 yards against the Steelers. "Now I've got to take full advantage of it. I just want to go out there, do my job and try to contribute to this team."
Brightful was one of the Ravens' four sixth-round picks and entered the preseason as the No. 1 punt and kickoff returner.
He muffed a number of kicks in training camp, then averaged 16.8 yards on six kickoff returns during the preseason and was inactive for the first four regular-season games.
"We'd like to give Brightful a chance, along the developmental theme," Ravens coach Brian Billick said. "He's shown that he is secure enough with the ball and can do some things. I'm much more comfortable with him than I was earlier this year."
Tate is averaging 20.9 yards a return, 15th in the AFC. Tate's second fumble was recovered by the Steelers and set up their third touchdown.
"Most of the special teams difficulties we've had have come down to basic fundamentals," Billick said. "If you've got guys in position, you have to make the tackle. If you've got the ball, you have to hold on to it.
"My expectations are never to turn the ball over. My expectations are not to miss a clear-cut tackle, so that is what you're always working on."
Wright is backup QB
Anthony Wright will be the backup to starter Jeff Blake on Sunday, the first time this season the former Dallas Cowboy will be activated on a game day.
Wright started five games in the two previous seasons with the Dallas Cowboys. Chris Redman will be the team's emergency quarterback.
"It's a change for me mentally because I've been third-string ever since I've been here," Wright said. "Now with me being with the second-string, I have to prepare as if I'm going to start just in case something happens with Jeff. I have to be ready to go in and perform."
Redman takes a seat
Redman, recovering from a herniated disk in his lower back, sat out of practice yesterday for the first time this season.
