The defense was lucky to have depth at defensive tackle last year, when Gregg was sidelined by microfracture knee surgery and Edwards by a bulging disc in the neck.
Bannan, who had made 10 starts in his first seven seasons, replaced Gregg and contributed to a unit that ranked second in the NFL in total yards and passing yards allowed and third in running yards surrendered. Yet despite finishing seventh on the team in tackles, Bannan is listed on the team's depth chart behind Gregg - a situation he is comfortable with.
"You can't take a guy's job when he's hurt," Bannan said. "I filled in for Kelly when he was the starter, and I did the best I could. Kelly's coming back from injury, and it's his deal. And it's not even really like that between Kelly, me, Haloti, anyone. Interior-wise, we have a rotation and all of us will give all we've got."
Because of the physical nature of the defensive line, Brooks makes sure each player understands the responsibilities of the tackle and end positions.
"They all learn the packages, they all learn the defense, they all learn all three positions because you never know when the situation is going to come up where you're going to have to switch a guy or play a guy more here or a guy more there. That's something they have to be up on the whole time," he said.
That's how Edwards could fill in at end when Pryce sat out 11 of 16 contests in 2007 because of a broken left wrist and torn pectoral. That kind of versatility is what makes defensive tackle a position of strength for the Ravens.
"We're deep, and no matter who we have in there, we're going to be able to make plays," Edwards said. "I'm just excited about the opportunity that we have as a D-line to be one of the best in the NFL this year."
TODAY
Practices at 8:45 a.m. (suite-holders and sponsors only) and 2:45 p.m. (open to public)
PRESEASON
OPENER
Redskins@Ravens, Thursday, 7:30 p.m.
TV: Chs. 11, 4; MASN2; Comcast SportsNet
INSIDE
Finally some good news on injury front PG 10
