On the eve of the Ravens' first training camp practice, the team has good news regarding two of its biggest question marks.
Rookie first-round wide receiver Marquise "Hollywood" Brown and defensive tackle Michael Pierce have both passed their conditioning tests.
Brown (foot) still needs to be cleared by team doctors before he can practice, meaning it appears he will not be on the field on the first day, but it is an indication that he's getting close.
The dynamic playmaker hasn't practiced yet this summer after having surgery to repair a Lisfranc foot injury suffered in the Big 12 Championship Game. He'll have to get up to speed quickly in order to be the big-play threat the Ravens need in their offense this season.
Pierce was not allowed to practice when he reported for minicamp because he was overweight and out of shape. He has since dropped weight and passed the test, which is a testament to his work over the past month.
"Was I worried? No. I know he is a professional. Sometimes it gets away from you. It's happened to me before, also. I'm not going to fault him for that," defensive tackle Brandon Williams said.
"If he had come in and not looked as good as he does now and didn't pass his conditioning testing, then there would have been a problem. Other than that, I love him. He's ready to go, and I can't wait to step on the field with him."
Pierce was the Ravens' top defender last season, according to Pro Football Focus. He's a premier run stopper who is heading into a big contract year.
