Oher Apparently Absent The Ravens might have their first rookie holdout since 2006.
Updated 5:17 p.m.
With every passing minute, the Ravens are getting closer and closer to their first rookie holdout in three years.
First-round draft pick **Michael Oher** had not arrived in Westminster, Md., for training camp as of Monday evening, indicating that both Oher and the Ravens have yet to reach an agreement on a contract.
Last season, quarterback Joe Flacco signed his contract on the first day of camp. In 2007, guard **Ben Grubbs** was on time.
But while Oher has been vocal about his desire to join his new team on Day 1, he may not be on the field for the two practices scheduled for Tuesday.
The fact that only four of the 32 first-round picks have signed makes Oher's situation more difficult. Oher, the 23rd-overall selection, would typically command a contract in between No. 22, Minnesota Vikings wideout Percy Harvin, and the 24th pick, Atlanta Falcons defensive tackle Peria Jerry.
"Not too many first-round picks have signed yet, so a lot of that hinges on how that all slots out," said Ravens head coach **John Harbaugh**. "The agent wants to make sure he does the right thing by Michael. And we want to make sure that we do the right thing by Michael, too. We want to get the best contract we can for him as soon as we can.
"It should happen pretty soon."
The first-rounders who have signed include quarterbacks Matthew Stafford (first-overall to the Detroit Lions) and Mark Sanchez (5th, New York Jets), center Alex Mack (21st,Cleveland Browns) and defensive tackle Evander Hood (32nd, Pittsburgh Steelers).
At this point, Oher is penciled in as the starting right tackle, where he played all offseason after **Willie Anderson** retired and **Adam Terry** recovered from knee surgery.
Without Oher, the replacement would likely be **Oniel Cousins** or **Joe Reitz** if Terry is not at full-strength. Harbaugh is confident that
"I know he wants to be here. He's said that many times," Harbaugh stated. "**Ozzie [Newsome]** wants him to be here, and his agent wants him to be here."
Washington Ready For BattleFabian Washington said he feels great after a few weeks to rest his neck injury.
Updated 2:51 p.m.
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The Ravens have not had much recent luck when it comes to cornerbacks missing time due to injuries. Even this year, Baltimore has seen **Chris Carr** (shoulder), **Frank Walker** (shoulder) and **Fabian Washington** (neck/shoulder) earn a limited status during offseason minicamps.
But upon his arrival at Ravens training camp as one of the "selected" veterans requested to attend because of injuries, count Washington among those players expecting a full recovery.
Washington, who could barely participate in Organized Team Activities (OTAs) this spring, seemed upbeat when talking about his health. He and I walked to the cafeteria together and chatted briefly about his health.
"I'm feeling good," he told me. "It's a good time for me. I needed that rest, though."
Washington had surgery to fuse vertebrae in his neck and also had a procedure on his shoulder.
Hopefully, he can keep that attitude and make it through camp unscathed.
Peerman Protests*Rookie claims he was the first to arrive.
Updated 1:40 p.m.
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There isn't much news to report at this point, but one clarification must be made. While linebacker Antwan Barnes was definitely an early arrival, he was beaten this morning by about five minutes by rookie running back Cedric Peerman.
Just in case you're keeping score.
The Quarterback is HereAmid move-in day at training camp, Joe Flacco finally got to the team hotel around 1 p.m.Updated 1:31 p.m.
By 1 p.m., the flow of players coming through the lobby is continuous. All of the guys seemed rested, even if the fact that camp is here already might be a little shocking.
That includes noticeably tanned quarterback **Joe Flacco**, who strolled past a group of waiting reporters with a greeting of, "What's up guys?
No mention of the Ravens' current wide receiver status less than a day after Drew Bennett, who signed a one-year contract on Friday, abruptly retired.
But no doubt Flacco will stick to the company line that the Ravens are happy with the current crop of receivers in-house. There definitely will be some eyes on the transaction wire this week, especially if **Derrick Mason** decides to continue with his retirement plans.
Here's a look at the schedule for the rest of the day: Once the players get here, there is some down time before physicals take place at 3 p.m. and a team meeting tonight.
Barnes Is the First To ArriveLB Antwan Barnes led the players as an early arrival to the Ravens' training camp headquarters.
Updated 12:20 p.m.
It wasn't until around 11:45 a.m. that the first Ravens players trickled into the Best Western in Westminster, Md., ready to get situated for training camp. As for me, I've been here all morning, along with a handful of other media types that cover the team.
After setting up my training camp office, I joined those media types in the hotel lobby to begin the annual "stalking of players," basically waiting to see who's the first to arrive and be on lookout for any big names to poach for a quick interview.
Coaches began filing in at 10 a.m., all carrying various boxes and duffel bags. One of the most excited and vocal was secondary coach **Mark Carrier**, who made his way around the open rooms giving high fives and showing exuberance on opening day.
Every time another coach would walk through the hall, Carrier would welcome him with a loud, "Coach! What's up, my brother?" It seems that Carrier is definitely ready to hit the field.
That won't come until tomorrow, however.
The Ravens have two practices scheduled for rookies, quarterbacks and selected veterans on Tuesday, with the rest of the team coming later in the week.
Linebacker **Antwan Barnes** is designated as a "selected veteran." He was the first player I saw pull up, along with rookie running back **Cedric Peerman**. Barnes, in his lazy Miami gait, strolled in to pick up his key and then right back out to unpack his car and set up his room.
More to come all day long from the Ravens' training camp headquarters.
