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The Beat with Aaron Wilson - Terry Prepping to Play Left Tackle Again
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Posted On: 9/2/07
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OWINGS MILLS -- The Baltimore Ravens are plotting contingency plans in case injured All-Pro offensive tackle Jonathan Ogden is out for the season opener against the Cincinnati Bengals, which is considered a growing possibility because of a lingering turf toe injury.
During the Ravens' 13-10 loss to the Atlanta Falcons at the Georgia Dome to conclude the preseason, starting right tackle Adam Terry shifted back to his natural left tackle spot to prepare for Ogden's potential unavailability on Sept. 10.
"We'll have to see what J.O.'s situation is," Ravens coach Brian Billick said. "He progressed fairly well through the week, but we'll have to see what next week brings."
Terry, a former second-round pick who excelled in two starts with Ogden out last season by shutting out the Pittsburgh Steelers' Joey Porter and Buffalo Bills Pro Bowl defensive end Aaron Schobel, said he immediately felt comfortable.
"It felt fine," Terry said. "It was like riding a bike."
Terry only appeared in seven snaps against Atlanta, and there were no penalties or blocking breakdowns. Plus, he seemed to work well in tandem with left guard Jason Brown.
“That’s where I’ve played in a live game, so I’m comfortable,” Terry said. “You just go out and do it. Jason and I have chemistry from last year, so we had that working for us. It felt pretty good getting the footwork back down. I’ll just go from there.”
Meanwhile, Ogden said last week that he wasn't sure if he would be ready for the Bengals game. There have even been some concerns around the organization that Ogden could miss the first few weeks of the regular season because of a sore left big toe. He played in the Ravens' playoff loss to the Indianapolis Colts last January, but required a pain-killer and aggravated the toe injury. Ogden didn't require surgery, but pondered retirement during the offseason.
The Ravens started former University of Maryland standout Jared Gaither at left tackle for the first preseason games, but are unlikely to entrust a 21-year-old to watch quarterback Steve McNair's back.
When asked if he was prepared for this assignment if Ogden is unavailable, Terry was quick with a reply.
"I have no other choice," he said. "To feel comfortable is not an option. You just have to go out and do it."
OPPORTUNITY KNOCKS: Rookie lineman Marshal Yanda made a successful starting debut at right tackle with Terry shifting over to the left side, and the third-round pick from Iowa could be a candidate to start there against the Bengals. Yanda has practiced at both left and right tackle during the preseason.
"Yeah, I feel more comfortable over there," Yanda said. "It shows up in practice. I can move a lot out of my stance, I don't know why.
"That's just the way it goes right now. I'm just trying to learn every day and pick up stuff and listen to coaches and get better day by day."
INJURY UPDATE: Yanda injured his left knee, but indicated he would practice Monday when the team returns to work.
Quarterback Kyle Boller injured his right knee, and the team said it will evaluate his status. Early indications were that Boller isn't hurt seriously.
Return specialist Yamon Figurs hurt his shoulder, but isn't expected to miss any practice time.
Meanwhile, cornerback Samari Rolle (sprained ankle), wide receiver Mark Clayton (sprained ankle) and safety Ed Reed (thigh contusion) all seem to be on track to play in the opener after missing the preseason finale. All three ran sprints on the field before the Atlanta game without incident.
Aaron Wilson covers the Baltimore Ravens for the Carroll County Times and the Annapolis Capital.
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