Russell Street Report Camp Notes Brown, Hurst Impress Under Sunny Skies

Hayden Hurst ran a route across the middle of the field, snagged a high 25-yard pass from quarterback Joe Flacco in traffic and then ran toward the end zone.

The rookie tight end showed flashes of the talent that made him a first-round pick. Now, he must prove he can consistently stay on the field after missing several practices with a soft-tissue injury.

That appeared to be the play of the day until veteran receiver John Brown shook off tight coverage from cornerback Marlon Humphrey and made an acrobatic catch near the sideline. Brown also beat Humphrey for a 50-yard touchdown reception and had some key receptions in the red zone. He could also be a force this season if he stays healthy.

Yes, the passing attack is progressing nicely.

One day after having the day off amid a rain-soaked week, the Ravens were greeted by an enthusiastic crowd and rewarded them with a crisp practice. Terrell Suggs dramatically entered the field driving a Bobcat vehicle.

The players are already exuding confidence. Even special teams coach Jerry Rosburg appeared to be pleased with the effort.

Brandon Williams, Greg Senat and Bennett Jackson were not on the field. Rookie tight end Mark Andrews also missed his third consecutive practice. Marshal Yanda, Bam Bradley, Jaylen Hill and Quincy Adeboyejo remain in the PUP list.

Running back Kenneth Dixon, who missed all of last season with a knee injury, left practice early with a trainer for undisclosed reasons. Cornerback Jimmy Smith returned after missing two practices to give his surgically repaired Achilles a rest.

“I’m feeling fine, normal. Just getting back into playing football and the cuts and stuff – stuff that you can’t really do on the field, like training,” Smith said. “You can’t really duplicate some of the stuff that you would do in practice. Those little nuances I have to work on, but other than that I feel totally fine.”

With Yanda out of the lineup, the Ravens’ offensive line consisted of right tackle Orlando Brown Jr., right guard James Hurst, center Matt Skura, left guard Alex Lewis and left tackle Ronnie Stanley. That’s likely how the team will start in the preseason games until Yanda returns.

Flacco, Lamar Jackson, Robert Griffin III and Josh Woodrum appear to be absorbing the run-pass-option (RPO) offense. Flacco is remarkably nimble for his size and both Jackson and Griffin are a threat any time that get into the open field. Woodrum has also progressed as a passer and could be a target for another team that has room on its roster.

Flacco also spent some time throwing passes into end zone to capitalize on some of the height from the receivers and tight ends. Linebacker Matt Judon was dominant on 11-on-11 drills and got into the backfield several times.

On the downside, rookie receiver Jaleel Scott had one of his most challenging practices with three dropped passes. Jaelon Acklin also had a few drops, but redeemed himself later. The second-string offensive line consistently struggled with pass blocking.

The Ravens practice again Friday and Saturday before having off Sunday.