Jah Reid

Jah Reid has only been a professional football player for about a year now, but he knows that a lot could change in the NFL in the span of a couple of weeks. The Ravens could use their 29th overall draft pick in next Thursday's first round on a guard or they could just as easily sign one of the available free agents at the position. Reid, however, isn't spending a whole lot of time thinking about either scenario. He's too busy trying to earn the position for himself. "I have to go in and expect to play," Reid said [Thursday]

Over the last couple of weeks, the Ravens have added and retained seven offensive linemen, further complicating what figures to be one of the more competitive -- if not interesting -- position battles in training camp. They drafted Wisconsin tackle Rick Wagner in the fifth round and Ryan Jensen , a tackle from Colorado State University-Pueblo, in the sixth. Immediately after the draft, they agreed to undrafted free agent deals with tackles Jordan Devey (Memphis), Rogers Gaines (Tennessee State)

The Ravens' Plan A at left guard was re-signing Pro Bowl performer Ben Grubbs, who eventually signed with the New Orleans Saints. Plan B was an aggressive bid at free agent Evan Mathis, who opted Saturday to re-sign with the Philadelphia Eagles. What is Plan C? The Ravens, of course, aren't going to publicly announce that to the media, but don't be surprised if it includes giving second-year player Jah Reid an extended look at left guard. Regardless of their plans for Reid, I think the Ravens will sign at least one free agent offensive lineman and add one or two more offensive linemen in the draft.

Last summer, it looked as if the Ravens might enter the regular season with one of the oldest starting offensive lines in the NFL. Matt Birk, Bryant McKinnie and Bobbie Williams were all in their mid-thirties and expected to start. But as it turned out, both McKinnie and Williams started the season on the bench and only Birk played. With voluntary organized team activities and a mandatory minicamp coming up on us quickly, all three of those guys are gone (though there is a chance the Ravens may bring McKinnie, a free agent, back if the price is right)

Offensive tackle Jah Reid, who has not participated in practice or a game since re-aggravating a strained right calf in a preseason contest against the Detroit Lions Sept. 17, appeared to take part in Friday's practice. Reid was active in individual drills involving the offensive linemen. His return cemented a full turnout for the Ravens Friday. Four starters who were limited in Thursday's session - cornerback Lardarius Webb (knee), strong safety Bernard Pollard (bruised ribs), inside linebacker Jameel McClain (knee)

When I keep hearing that second-year player Jah Reid might be getting some playing time at left guard, there is cause for concern. I knew he was a project when the Ravens drafted him in the third round out of Central Florida, but I haven't seen anything that would warrant him getting playing time. He has spent more time in the training room for rehab than on the practice and playing fields. I'm concerned. To be even having this conversation means the Ravens are in deep trouble at left guard.

Two days before the regular-season opener against the Cincinnati Bengals, it did not appear that there were any new absences at Ravens practice Saturday. Rookie cornerback Asa Jackson and offensive tackle Jah Reid were not on the field behind the team's training facility in Owings Mills. Jackson sat out Friday's session due to an illness, while Reid has not practiced the previous two days because of a strained right calf. Rookie outside linebacker Courtney Upshaw and backup strong safety Sean Considine were present.

One of John Harbaugh 's offensive tackles had been carted off the field and another was held out of this week's three-day mandatory minicamp so he could focus on his conditioning. After another hot practice under the bright sun, the Ravens' coach didn't feel like sharing any state secrets. Jah Reid , who spent most of the week at right tackle, was carted off the practice field midway through Thursday's final day of minicamp. His right leg rested on the back of the cart.

The Ravens released their first injury report of the week leading up to Saturday's AFC Divisional playoff game against the Denver Broncos, and Bernard Pierce did not practice Wednesday. The rookie running back, who is described as dealing with a knee injury, did not appear to participate in Tuesday's session. Fullback Vonta Leach also did not practice. He aggravated a sprained right ankle in Sunday's 24-9 victory over the Indianapolis Colts in the AFC Wildcard playoff round. Leach has sat out the last four Thursdays without missing a start.

If the Ravens have a specific plan for filling the hole left by Ben Grubbs now that the draft has ended, they aren't divulging it. Not that anybody should be surprised. As is so often the case, coach John Harbaugh spoke fondly of the potential battle for playing time along the offensive line without giving any indication of how he thinks it may shake out. "I think it goes back to this: All things are possible," he said Saturday at the team's Owings Mills headquarters.

The NFL offseason heats up on Tuesday when the free agency period begins and the NFL draft will take place next month. In anticipation of those events, blogger and reporter Matt Vensel will look at six key positions the Ravens might address in free agency and the NFL draft in the days leading up to the start of free agency. The revamped offensive line was one of the biggest reasons the Ravens regrouped in the playoffs and rallied to win their second Super Bowl title. With the starting five often providing him a clean pocket, Joe Flacco threw 11 touchdown passes in the playoffs.

NEW ORLEANS - Walking around the Mercedes-Benz Superdome with just a trace of a limp, Lardarius Webb paused for a moment, took a long look around and smiled. His thinking: What's the point of being bitter? Out for the season since tearing the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee back in October, the cornerback is contributing to the Ravens' Super Bowl run the only way he can. Planning to root for his teammates and offer scouting tips Sunday night, Webb has his fingers crossed that the team's veterans get to hoist the Vince Lombardi Trophy.

NEW ORLEANS - Soaking up the Super Bowl experience, Ravens left guard Kelechi Osemele spent Tuesday's Media Day, joking around with current teammates and hanging out with former NFL offensive lineman and fellow Iowa State alum Keith Sims. A smile never left the rookie's face until he was asked about the challenge of facing the San Francisco 49ers front seven in Sunday's Super Bowl XLVII. Then, his tone suddenly grew serious. "I've never seen so many star-studded, first-round picks, play-making, fast, shifty guys in my entire life, let alone on the same team," Osemele said.

When historians look back on the Ravens' 2012 season, they will remember offensive coordinator Cam Cameron being fired and replaced by Jim Caldwell. They will talk about quarterback Joe Flacco's clutch performances in the postseason and how star linebacker Ray Lewis's decision to retire inspired this team. But the best move came two weeks ago when Ravens coach John Harbaugh inserted Bryant McKinnie at left offensive tackle, moved Michael Oher to right tackle and rookie Kelechi Osemele to left guard.

The Ravens on Friday made a roster move before Saturday's playoff game in Denver, placing injured offensive lineman Jah Reid on injured reserve and activating rookie cornerback Asa Jackson to their 53-man roster. Reid missed last weekend's wild-card win against the Indianapolis Colts with a toe injury, and he did not participate in practice at all this week. Reid started seven games at left guard this season and played in nine games overall. With Reid out against the Colts, the Ravens started Bryant McKinnie at left tackle, moved Michael Oher to right tackle and shifted rookie Kelechi Osemele, a second-round pick, to Reid's spot at guard.

Ravens veteran offensive tackle Bryant McKinnie was convinced he had assumed permanent residence inside coach John Harbaugh's doghouse. Between frequently facing concerns about his weight and conditioning, reporting late for training camp after saying he hurt his lower back in a fall at his South Florida home, grading out poorly as a run blocker and facing multiple lawsuits from creditors, McKinnie experienced a year filled with nightmares....

NEW ORLEANS - Walking around the Mercedes-Benz Superdome with just a trace of a limp, Lardarius Webb paused for a moment, took a long look around and smiled. His thinking: What's the point of being bitter? Out for the season since tearing the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee back in October, the cornerback is contributing to the Ravens' Super Bowl run the only way he can. Planning to root for his teammates and offer scouting tips Sunday night, Webb has his fingers crossed that the team's veterans get to hoist the Vince Lombardi Trophy.

Over the last couple of weeks, the Ravens have added and retained seven offensive linemen, further complicating what figures to be one of the more competitive -- if not interesting -- position battles in training camp. They drafted Wisconsin tackle Rick Wagner in the fifth round and Ryan Jensen , a tackle from Colorado State University-Pueblo, in the sixth. Immediately after the draft, they agreed to undrafted free agent deals with tackles Jordan Devey (Memphis), Rogers Gaines (Tennessee State)

Two key members of a Ravens running game that has averaged 200 rushing yards per game over the past three weeks returned to practice Thursday. Running back Bernard Pierce (knee) and Pro Bowl fullback Vonta Leach (knee and ankle) were on the field during the portion of Thursday's practice that was open to the media. The only player not spotted was offensive lineman Jah Reid, who missed Sunday's game with a toe injury. Pierce, the team's leading rusher during the past three weeks, has rushed for 315 yards since Week 16, including 103 yards on 13 carries in Sunday's 24-9 victory over the Indianapolis Colts in the wild-card round.

The Ravens released their first injury report of the week leading up to Saturday's AFC Divisional playoff game against the Denver Broncos, and Bernard Pierce did not practice Wednesday. The rookie running back, who is described as dealing with a knee injury, did not appear to participate in Tuesday's session. Fullback Vonta Leach also did not practice. He aggravated a sprained right ankle in Sunday's 24-9 victory over the Indianapolis Colts in the AFC Wildcard playoff round. Leach has sat out the last four Thursdays without missing a start.