Ravens Place Five On PUP

Prior to the first practice of training camp, the Ravens placed five players on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list as precautionary measures. While some players earned the distinction recently, the decision to relegate Jonathan Ogden to the list was made months ago.

Ogden is still nursing a nagging toe injury back to health. The injury cost him the final two regular season contests of 2006.

Even though Ogden came back to start one game in the playoffs, his training camp future was sealed soon after the season was over.

"We knew last February he would go to PUP and miss three, maybe four weeks of training camp," affirmed head coach Brian Billick after Monday's morning session. "That was the design; we structured it that way. His workouts in the offseason were structured knowing that he would come in here and PUP, and that's a good thing."

Ogden, entering his 12th season, was at team headquarters for a mandatory minicamp from June 5-7, but couldn't practice because of his sore toe. The Ravens are keeping a close eye on the big offensive lineman's progress.

"Even if he weren't hurt, this process probably suits J.O. right now," Billick said.

Dan Cody, Justin Green, Mike Kracalik and Mike Smith join Ogden on the PUP list.

A linebacker/defensive end that could excel in the Ravens' attacking defense, coaches are hoping Cody recovers enough to play in more games than he has in the past two years after missing his entire rookie season and all but two games last year due to knee injuries.

Cody again nicked his knee in organized team activities (OTAs) and was looking to rehab in enough time for camp.

"We're just trying to help Dan get healthy and see if we can get him back on the field," stated Billick.

Kracalik's ankle injury kept him out of practice, where he would have gotten extended playing time in Ogden's absence. Instead, rookies Marshal Yanda and Jared Gaither manned the left tackle position - Yanda with the first-string.

"[With Mike Kracalik's] ankle, we're going to have to see how long it takes for him to get ready to go," said the coach.

Green and Smith, however, certainly broke a sweat. Clad in t-shirts and shorts, they worked with strength and conditioning coach Jeff Friday, participating in agility drills in t-shirts and shorts.

The Ravens just seem to be proceeding carefully with the linebacker and fullback. Smith underwent surgery this offseason to repair a dislocated shoulder he suffered last November, while Green continues to rehab his the knee he hurt in Week 13 at Cincinnati.

Both players looked like they could take the field any day this week.

"We're hopeful that [Mike Smith and Justin Green] can return possibly by mid- to late-week, but it's more with the trainers recognizing where they are in their rehab," Billick said.

The NFL allows players to return to the active roster at any time during training camp if they begin camp on the PUP list, leaving the window open for a return for all five Ravens. They are not allowed to practice, but can rehab and participate in team meetings. A player is not allowed to be placed on the PUP list if they start training camp on the active roster.