BUTTERFINGERS
First, rookie running back P.J. Daniels dropped a pass by wide receiver Mark Clayton on a trick play with no defense on the field. Minutes later, tight end Daniel Wilcox let a pass from quarterback Steve McNair slip through his hands during a red-zone drill.
BIGGEST HIT
It's debatable whether linebacker Ray Lewis has lost a step, but he can still tackle. Lewis hit rookie running back Cory Ross so hard during an 11-on-11 exercise that Ross' helmet popped off. Afterward, Lewis and Ross engaged in a little good-natured talking.
SOME MISTAKES
First, McNair threw a pass that was a little behind wide receiver Derrick Mason, which allowed cornerback Chris McAlister to knock the ball out of Mason's hands. Then, quarterback Kyle Boller overthrew wide receiver Demetrius Williams and was intercepted by safety Ed Reed.
QUOTABLE
"I was a 49ers fan growing up. Well, the Niners would lose every preseason game and then they come out and win the Super Bowl. It's a whole different situation altogether."
Defensive tackle Justin Bannan on the emphasis on exhibition games.
INJURIES
Defensive tackle Haloti Ngata (sprained knee), running back Musa Smith (virus), safety B.J. Ward (migraine), wide receiver Clarence Moore (sports hernia) and cornerback David Pittman (strained hamstring) did not practice.
SCHEDULE
Today's practices are 8:15 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
DAYS TO OPENER
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