LANDOVER, Md. – Fabian Washington didn’t hesitate, charging forward as soon as the football headed in the direction of running back Clinton Portis.

The Baltimore Ravens’ cornerback was poised deliver a blow, landing on the Washington Redskins runner as he stumbled to the ground after gaining five yards on the reception.

What was most impressive was how Washington didn’t hold back, reacting quickly to the football in his first game since tearing his anterior cruciate ligament nine months ago.

His hands were about the only thing that displayed rust during Saturday night’s preseason game against the Redskins at FedEx Field.

Washington had nothing but green grass in front of him when he broke cleanly on a Donovan McNabb pass near the end zone intended for wide receiver Anthony Armstrong. However, he dropped the potential interception.

Consider it a test aced for Washington’s surgically-repaired left knee.

RAY RICE LOOKS RUSTY: Pro Bowl running back touched the football for the first time this preseason, dropping the ball twice.

He recovered his first fumble and managed to pick up three yards.

Then, Anquan Boldin recovered Rice’s second fumble after a first down.

MCCLAIN GETS THE NOD: Jameel McClain started at inside linebacker for the second consecutive game.

He nearly scored a touchdown when Redskins running back Larry Johnson bobbled a pass off his hands six times. McClain would have scored on a fumble recovery if Johnson had ever secured possession.

McClain is competing with Dannell Ellerbe and Tavares Gooden for the starting Jack inside linebacker job next to All-Pro middle linebacker Ray Lewis.

ON THE PROWL: Terrell Suggs applied a lot of heat to Redskins quarterback Donovan McNabb, taking rookie offensive tackle Trent Williams to school.

A slimmed-down Suggs has lost 20 pounds after tipping the scales at 283 pounds last season, prompting fellow linebacker Jarret Johnson to joke this week that the former Pro Bowl outside linebacker looked like a guard last year.

Suggs dominated the first-round draft pick from Oklahoma with his superior quickness and technique.

MOLL GETS THE START: With Jared Gaither and Oniel Cousins sidelined with injuries, Tony Moll got a rare start at right offensive tackle.

Moll had missed a significant amount of time earlier in camp with a concussion.

The Ravens also deactivated offensive tackle Stefan Rodgers (shoulder), guard Daniel Sanders (shoulder), center-guard David Hale (bruised tailbone), safety Marcus Paschal (quadriceps) and cornerback K..J. Gerard (hamstring).

The following players remain on the physically unable to perform list: safety Ed Reed (hip), running back Matt Lawrence (knee), linebacker Brendon Ayanbadejo (quadriceps) and cornerback Lardarius Webb (knee).

SMITH UPDATE: Even though third quarterback Troy Smith has struggled mightily with his accuracy in practice and was largely ineffective in his first preseason contest, the Ravens aren’t displeased necessarily with the former Heisman Trophy winner.

At least not outwardly.

“I think Troy has had a really good camp,” Harbaugh said. “He continues to improve, and Troy is a quality quarterback. We’ve said it over and over again, and he’s done well.”

ON THE COMEBACK TRAIL: Wide receiver Marcus Smith has made an impressive recovery from a torn ACL last summer than knocked him out for the entire season.

Smith is contending for the fifth wide receiver spot and is also one of the Ravens’ top special-teams contributors in kick coverage and as a gunner on punts. He’s trying to beat out Demetrius Williams and rookie David Reed.

“I think Marcus has taken big strides as a receiver,” Harbaugh said. “He grew through his injury as much as any player I’ve ever seen. He’s become a real quality wide receiver. Plus, he brings a lot of special-teams value. Marcus is in a fight also, but he’s done very well.”

QUICK HITS: It’s a stiff competition between defensive tackles Kelly Talavou, Lamar Divens and rookie Arthur Jones for one of the final roster spots along the defensive line.

Quiet by nature, Talavou has made some noise with his relentless style on the field.

“I think Kelly has had a great camp, I mean really, probably his best camp obviously since he’s been here,” Harbaugh said. “He’s dominated at times. So, we’re pretty excited about how he’s playing.” …

Tom Zbikowski started ahead of Ken Hamlin again at free safety for Baltimore in place of Reed. Zbikowski has cemented that he will be the guy while Reed is out indefinitely. …

The Ravens had trouble containing Redskins tight end Chris Cooley, who caught two passes for 33 yards in the first quarter.