Ron Snyder, The Examiner
2008-08-01 07:00:00.0
Current rank: Not ranked

Westminster -

Chad Slaughter is the star of the day for the Baltimore Ravens.

The 6-foot-8, 340-pounder went from pouring concrete at his home two days ago to running with the Ravens’ first-team offense at left tackle. Not a bad turn of events for Slaughter, who has been out of the NFL for a year after spending the past six seasons with the Oakland Raiders.

PLAY OF THE DAY

Ray Lewis: The linebacker showed again on Thursday that even at 33 years old, he still is one of the NFL’s elite players. During the morning practice, Lewis tipped a pass thrown by quarterback Kyle Boller, which was then intercepted by safety Jim Leonhard.

YOU SHOULD HAVE SEEN

Piotr Czech: The rookie kicker continues to quietly go about his business, even with veteran Matt Stover all but assured to return for his 18th season with the franchise. With Stover sitting out as part of coach John Harbaugh’s policy of giving players at least 30 years old every third day off, Czech made all five of his field goals, as he split the uprights from 20, 32, 44, 48 and 53 yards.

QUARTERBACK BATTLE

Boller had a long completion to wideout Mark Clayton during one-on-one drills before leaving practice halfway through the morning session. Flacco lost a botched snap from center Jason Brown, but came back with a 20-yard touchdown toss and a 45-yard completion to rookie receiver Marcus Smith. Troy Smith also threw a touchdown during the red zone drills.

DAILY TRAINING CAMP GUIDE

Here is the Ravens’ practice schedule for the next few days. Morning and afternoon practices usually last about two hours. Please check www.baltimoreravens.com, as times are subject to change.

• Friday: 8:45 a.m. and 2 p.m. (special teams)
• Saturday: 8:45 a.m. and 2:45 p.m.
• Sunday: 8:45 a.m. and 2 p.m. (special teams)
• Monday: 8:45 a.m. and 2:45 p.m.
• Directions: From I-695, take Exit 19 onto I-795 North. Follow signs to Westminster via Route 140 West to Route 31. At blinking light, turn left onto Route 31. At first traffic light, turn left onto Main Street. Proceed up hill, and the entrance to the Ravens’ visitor parking is on the left.
• Parking: Visitors are encouraged to park at McDaniel College’s Bair Stadium, which is adjacent to Main Street.
• Autograph alert: The Ravens make most of their players accessible for autographs after each practice, with fans asked to lineup next to the fences and ropes surrounding the field. Kids 14 years and younger can get prime spots behind the end zone closest to the field house. Players are more likely to sign autographs for kids who are polite and bring a pen.