First-round pick Hayden Hurst has been a major piece of the offense throughout training camp.
The tight end looks like he's going to make a significant impact on Baltimore's passing game and has clearly developed a rhythm with starting quarterback Joe Flacco. Hurst again caught several passes during Sunday's practice, pulling down balls over the middle between defenders to move the chains.
He also got challenged late in practice.
Hurst caught a pass along the sidelines and safety Chuck Clark hit him late on the play. Clark's hit knocked Hurst to the ground, and he then tossed the ball at Clark's face. The second-year safety then shoved Hurst as he was standing to his feet, and a few teammates then got in between them.
The offense didn't take kindly to Clark's hit on Hurst and starting left tackle Ronnie Stanley ran down the field to voice his displeasure. He yelled "chill out 36 [Clark's number]" several times as he got in the safety's face. Teammates intervened there and both sides quickly went back to their respective huddles.
Head Coach John Harbaugh had some words for the defense and then briefly talked with Hurst before they went back into drills.
- Safety Tony Jefferson practiced again and he made a quick impact during full-team drills. Jefferson picked off Joe Flacco's first pass of the day in 11-on-11 work. The deep pass sailed over the middle and Jefferson was in perfect position for the turnover. The Ravens are still easing Jefferson into action and he only participated in about half the practice.
- Wide receiver Tim White practiced for the second-straight day after missing Thursday's game. He's competing for a roster spot at receiver and returner, and he needs to show the coaches what he can do in game action. Outside linebacker Tyus Bowser (groin) did not practice again.
- The defense had a strong overall day. In addition to the Jefferson interception, safety Kai Nacua and linebacker Chris Board also came up with interceptions on passes thrown by quarterback Lamar Jackson. The pick by Nacua came at the end of practice when Jackson tried to float a pass to quarterback Nick Keizer in the end zone. The pass sailed a bit and Nacua made a nice play to come up with the interception.
- Outside linebacker Za'Darius Smith showed off some quick pass rushing moves during blocking drills. He has a quick step around the edge, but also has the power to try to run through offensive linemen. He's having a strong overall camp.
- After a scorching hot practice Saturday, the heat subsided Sunday morning. It was a cloudy morning in Owings Mills, and that cloud cover made for a much more pleasant practice.
- Players got a surprise after practice with a visit from a pair of ice cream trucks. The trucks made their way onto the field as Harbaugh called the team together for the final huddle, and the players enjoyed the treat after the 2.5-hour practice. Several players had families attending practice, and the kids definitely enjoyed the dessert.
