As quarterbacks, rookies and selected veterans reported to Ravens training camp Monday, they were greeted with questions about two players who weren't there: top wide receiver (Derrick Mason) and top draft pick (Michael Oher).
While the Ravens seem certain that Oher will arrive by the end of the week, the same could not be said of Mason.
Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco said he spoke with Mason a week ago and couldn't gauge whether his top target would change his mind about retirement. But it did seem that Flacco came away with a sliver of hope.
"He didn't sound too, too sure of himself," Flacco said Monday in his first public comments since Mason's announcement July 13.
"I told him, 'Whatever decision you make, it's your decision.' I let him know how much we want him and how much he means to the team. I just want to make sure he understood how much we appreciate him being around."
Ravens coach John Harbaugh said he still couldn't predict what would happen with Mason. They haven't spoken since last week, when Harbaugh sat down with Mason at the receiver's house.
"We'll see what happens in the next few days," Harbaugh said.
With the Ravens' situation at receiver - which became shakier with Drew Bennett's surprising retirement Sunday - the team is looking to add another wide-out, Harbaugh said.
On Monday, the team didn't show any interest in Joe Horn, Amani Toomer or D.J. Hackett. Other mid-level free agents include Justin McCareins, Reggie Williams, Darrell Jackson and Matt Jones. The higher-priced options are Marvin Harrison and Plaxico Burress.
"We're looking for the best guys out there that we can - young guys, older guys, whoever that may be," Harbaugh said. "We've got some irons in the fire."
Meanwhile, the Ravens haven't expressed any concern about Oher, their only unsigned draft pick.
Harbaugh seemed unfazed by the fact that the first-round selection didn't report Monday. Oher worked as the starting right tackle during offseason minicamps.
"I know he wants to be here," Harbaugh said. "Ozzie [Newsome, general manager] wants him to be here, and his agent wants him to be here."
The problem is just four of the 32 first-round picks have signed, which makes it tough to slot Oher's contract between those of Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Percy Harvin (No. 22) and Atlanta Falcons defensive tackle Peria Jerry (No. 24).
