Thursday PM Notes From Training Camp

It is almost counterintuitive to tell an NFL rookie to slow down on the practice field. Not only are they trying to keep up with the faster pace of the professional game, but they're also fighting to set themselves apart and earn a most-coveted roster spot.

That's why Antwan Barnes is having such a hard time taking the advice of some of his veteran teammates after twisting his ankle for the second time in two weeks and being carted off the field Wednesday.

"It's real tough, but you've got people like Ray [Lewis] telling me to calm it down," the linebacker said following Thursday's second session, where he walked with a heavily-taped right ankle. "I want to practice so bad, and I want to play in the game [against the New York Giants, Sunday, 8:00 p.m.]."

A fierce competitor, Barnes was the Ravens' first fourth-round draft pick this year - fullback Le'Ron McClain was also taken in the round - out of Florida International University. Although the school went winless in his senior campaign, his freakish mash-up of speed, strength and agility made him the perfect fit for defensive coordinator Rex Ryan's schemes.

Coming off the same ankle he tweaked late last week, the 22-year old showed how disruptive he can be in the Ravens' preseason opener against the Philadelphia Eagles. On the first play of the second quarter, Barnes dropped quarterback Kelly Holcomb for a 10-yard sack.

"He beat the guy on the inside rush and closed the deal," Ryan said. "That was exciting to see, and that's what he's done here in practice as well. That was outstanding. Hopefully he's healthy with that ankle and gets back on the practice field quick."

That moment could come soon. Despite the tape, Barnes has been walking around the practice field and the team hotel with no noticeable limp. But, what the Miami, Fla. native felt this week when he went down while grappling with offensive lineman Marshal Yanda provided the proper perspective.

"You want to show everybody what you've got, but at the same time you've got to think about your future," said Barnes, who underwent an MRI Thursday. "I was just worried [because of] the fact that I had that pain right there, and it was the same pain from before. But, it's feeling better now. Hopefully I'll get to play this Sunday."

Barnes said he has never had a major ankle problem in the past, but the Ravens are still waiting for the results of his MRI before clearing him to play this Sunday.

Prude in the Big Leagues

Ronnie Prude was a gem for the Ravens last year, making the team as a rookie free agent and making an impact with two interceptions and a touchdown at the nickel position.

But, Ryan sees untapped potential in this 5-foot-11, 175-pound defensive back out of Louisiana State University. In three weeks of training camp, Prude has lined up at nickel, cornerback - where he logged 114 tackles and three interceptions as a Tiger - and even at safety.

The safety experiment certainly went according to plan against the Eagles, where Prude notched his first professional sack while on a blitz.

Possessing multiple skills is crucial to a young player trying to make the 53-man active roster, and Ryan is hoping Prude's talents can translate into more plays in the upcoming season.

"Once he knows the defense, now you can plug him in," said the coordinator. "A lot of times you don't get everybody up for a game that you want. You can't take everybody you have up.

"With the flexibility, we're going to need several players to fill different roles, and he's kind of like that utility infielder, he can fill in third base, shortstop and second. That's what we're looking for from Ronnie."

Notable

The Ravens will introduce the defense in Sunday's nationally-televised matchup with the Giants (NBC, 8:00 p.m.). The broadcasting crew of John Madden, Al Michaels and Andrea Kremer will be at Ravens training camp in Westminster, Md. Friday…Don't forget to check The Big Board blog for your post-practice news and observations.