The Ravens took every precaution with cornerbacks Chris McAlister and Samari Rolle, relegating the projected starters to the sideline for the majority of the preseason.
Those moves could prove to be prescient as the team is left with just five cornerbacks for the season opener after waiving Ronnie Prude and placing David Pittman on injured reserve.
In addition to waiving 19 players yesterday - a group that included linebacker Gary Stills and offensive tackle Chad Slaughter - the team announced that cornerback Derrick Martin was suspended one game for violating the NFL's substance-abuse policy.
Martin, who has not practiced in a week because of a right shoulder injury, joins cornerback Fabian Washington, who was suspended one game for violating the league's personal-conduct policy. Both will sit out the season opener against the Cincinnati Bengals next Sunday.
Martin, who is eligible to return the day after the game, was cited and charged in July with possession of three small bags of marijuana at the Cleveland airport during a random Transportation Security Administration screening while attempting to board a flight.
Prude was an undrafted rookie in 2006 who made the 53-man roster that year. He was battling Martin and Pittman, who was not reported to be injured after the Ravens' 10-9 preseason loss to the Atlanta Falcons on Thursday. Pittman is listed as having played, but he did not record a tackle or pass deflection.
Those moves leave the secondary with just five cornerbacks - McAlister, Rolle, Frank Walker, Corey Ivy and Anwar Phillips - for the season opener.
McAlister has been sidelined by a swollen right knee, and Rolle reported to training camp late because of the death of his father and injured his left leg.
"With the two suspended players, that gives us 52 players on the current roster," general manager Ozzie Newsome said in a written statement. "We will add another player before the opener against the Bengals."
Two cornerbacks who might have interested the Ravens - Sam Madison and R.W. McQuarters - were kept by the New York Giants on their 53-man roster.
Running back Cory Ross was placed on injured reserve after spraining his right ankle in the second quarter Thursday night.
Stills, a Pro Bowl selection in 2003, set an NFL record with 44 special teams tackles in 2006 with the Ravens, but the addition of special teams ace Brendon Ayanbadejo and rookies Tavares Gooden and Jameel McClain forced Stills out.
