Ravens coach John Harbaugh hinted during the morning practice on Wednesday the team could be close to signing two offensive linemen to bolster a unit ravaged by injuries.

“We’re working on it right now, so it’s going to happen quickly,” he said. “To explain a little bit, it would already be done except there’s a physical issue. They’ve got to take their physicals and they’ve got to be cleared to play.”

Harbaugh likely is referring to former Kansas City tackle John Welbourn and former Oakland Raider tackle Chad Slaughter, who were both seen in the lobby of the team’s training camp headquarters at the Best Western in Westminster.

Offensive tackle Adam Terry was on crutches after he sprained his surgically repaired left ankle during practice on Tuesday. Terry had been playing left tackle for Jared Gaither, who is wearing a protective book on his right foot after spraining his ankle during practice on Saturday.

This story continues below
Advertisement

REED’S STATUS REVEALED

The mystery surrounding Ed Reed’s status became clearer on Wednesday. But it’s still unclear when the four-time Pro Bowler will return to the field.

Reed is on the physically unable to perform list with an injured right shoulder, which has prevented him from practicing. Reed, the NFL’s Defensive Player of the Year in 2004, has played in every game the past two seasons after missing six in 2005 with an ankle injury.

“It’s a strengthening issue and that takes a little bit of time,” Harbaugh said.

INJURIES TAKING TOLL

The Ravens had 22 players who did not practice on Wednesday, including 15 out with injuries and five who were given the day off by Harbaugh, who allows veterans 30-and-older to have off every third day.

The two other players were linebacker Terrell Suggs, who refuses to come to camp because he’s protesting being given a one-year, $8.5 million contract as the team’s franchise player, and cornerback Samari Rolle, who is grieving the death of his father, Harry.

The Ravens can’t sign players without waiving players because the NFL limits teams to an 80-man training camp roster.

“I think you’re going to see all around the league that coaches have had to adjust to the limited roster number,” Harbaugh said. 

rsnyder@baltimoreexaminer.com