Jarret Johnson

What to look for in the Ravens' preseason game tonight: Position Kickoff specialist. Although J.R. Jenkins looked solid in the first two preseason games, the Ravens signed veteran Wade Richey to add to the competition. Both will have their turn at kicking off and trying to lock down a roster spot. Veteran Right guard Bennie Anderson. The two-year starter has struggled in the first two preseason games, prompting the team to shop around for an upgrade. It's an important game for Anderson because starters are expected to play into the second half.

On the brink of ending a two-year postseason drought, the Ravens know their playoff fever likely isn't fleeting this time. With just four starters projected to become free agents - linebacker Adalius Thomas, running back Jamal Lewis, offensive tackle Tony Pashos and fullback Ovie Mughelli - the Ravens have the potential to keep this team nearly intact and make a similar run next season. Ravens@Chiefs Next Sunday, 1 p.m., Ch. 13, 1090 AM, 97.9 FM Ravens' free agents The Ravens are scheduled to have seven unrestricted free agents and three restricted ones in March: Unrestricted --OLB Adalius Thomas, OT Tony Pashos, FB Ovie Mughelli, DE Jarret Johnson, RB Musa Smith, FS Gerome Sapp, DT Aubrayo Franklin.

The bye week gives the Ravens a chance to get away from the practice fields and meeting rooms. But a good number of them won't stray far from football. With the Cincinnati Bengals scheduled to meet the Houston Texans Saturday and the Pittsburgh Steelers planning to visit the Denver Broncos Sunday, this weekend will offer must-see TV for the players. “I'll probably watch them,” quarterback Joe Flacco said. “You usually end up watching them even on your normal bye week, at least for a little bit. So, [they]

A day after missing Thursday's practice with a back ailment, starting outside linebacker Jarret Johnson returned to Friday's session. Prior to practice, Johnson downplayed the severity of the injury, saying, “It's just something that I've had to deal with during my career. I just get them. But it's no big deal.” Johnson has played in 118 consecutive games, which ranks as the longest streak in Ravens history and the fourth-longest active streak in the NFL. Cornerbacks Chris Carr and Jimmy Smith were both present for the second straight day. Both players were limited Thursday.

When the Ravens drafted Jarret Johnson in the fourth round in 2003, there were some questions about his longevity in the NFL. After all, he was considered too small to play the defensive tackle position he played at the University of Alabama and too big to play linebacker. On Sunday, Johnson, who lost 25 pounds to become an outside linebacker, overtook former defensive end Michael McCrary and former linebacker Jamie Sharper as the franchise's all-time leader in consecutive starts with his 74th straight start in the team's 31-24 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals.

Ravens WRs Anquan Boldin & Torrey Smith vs. Jets CBs Darrelle Revis and Antonio Cromartie: The Jets have been playing a guessing game with regard to which corner will match up with which receiver. The bet here is that Revis goes against Boldin because Boldin has more experience and should get more passes from Flacco. Cromartie might be playing with bruised ribs. If he can't play, look for Kyle Wilson to replace him. If Wilson gives up a big play early, Donald Strickland will come off the bench.

The Ravens will be entering team meetings this afternoon, and the highlight of the defensive meetings will be outside linebacker Jarret Johnson's hit on Pittsburgh wide receiver Hines Ward. Even though the hit occurred in the game Sunday, a lot of the Ravens probably didn't get a good look at it. Johnson crushed Ward coming across the middle behind the line of scrimmage. It appeared to be some kind of shovel pass, but Johnson sniffed out the play, and snuffed out Ward.   “I keep hearing about the hit,” said Ravens outside linebacker Terrell Suggs.

San Diego's high-powered offense took a double hit Friday when the Chargers said running back LaDainian Tomlinson and center Nick Hardwick will miss Sunday's game against the Ravens with ankle injuries. The Chargers' injury report listed eight players this week after a physical, 24-20 win over the Oakland Raiders on Monday night. Also scratched is backup defensive tackle Travis Johnson with a groin injury. The Ravens said all week that they expected Tomlinson to play. But coach John Harbaugh said the Chargers are well stocked at the position.

TOUCHDOWN TOWN: : Maybe things would have turned out differently if members of the "Over-30 Club" had practiced, but the offense scored five of eight times during a drill in which the offense had the football at the 2-yard line on third-and-goal. Running backs Ray Rice and Jalen Parmele and wide receiver Jayson Foster scored on the ground. YELLOW FLAG WATCH: : The Ravens committed five penalties, including three in the first eight snaps of the first live, full-team exercise. The offense was flagged twice for false starts and once each for illegal formation and delay of game.

The NFL scouting combine starts Feb. 22. In advance of the annual meat market in Indianapolis, staff writer Matt Vensel will examine each position and give Ravens fans the 4-1-1. In this post he looks at outside linebackers . The top prospects: Alabama's Courtney Upshaw, who had 9.5 sacks in 2011, would be a great fit for the Ravens, who may have to replace outside linebacker Jarret Johnson. The problem is that Upshaw is the top outside linebacker in April's NFL draft and will likely be gone in the first 20 picks.