Suggs still holding out of camp

Eric Detweiler, The Examiner
2008-08-04 07:00:00.0
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BALTIMORE -

Outside linebacker Terrell Suggs has missed the first 10 days of training camp as he protests being given a one-year contract of $8.5 million as the team’s franchise player.

But Suggs, whose arrival at camp is unknown, is aware of what’s happening at McDaniel College in Westminster.

“He’s in constant communication with the defensive coaches,” Ravens coach John Harbaugh said. “We do have an idea of what he’s thinking, but it’s just an idea right

now. We don’t have any certainty.”

Harbaugh said he is not bothered by Suggs’ absence, as the first-year coach understands there is a business side to the NFL.

“He’s got to take care of the other side in the way he sees fit,” Harbaugh said. “We respect that, but we want him here as soon as possible, and we’re hoping to get him here.”

BACK TO THE GRIND: The Ravens had a lighter practice on Sunday after Harbaugh gave players their first break from two-a-days since July 25.

Harbaugh canceled practices on Saturday afternoon and Sunday morning, saying the team earned a rest.

“It was a much needed break for a lot of guys,” said veteran cornerback Corey Ivy, who used the time to play with his young daughter at his home in Owings Mills. “We’ve been working hard, so he gave us a break, and we took full advantage of it.”

Harbaugh was happy to give the team a chance to be with their families.

“I think mentally it was good for them to get away,” Harbaugh said. “Physically, they looked refreshed when we left. We had a real good practice Saturday morning, but it was good to get away. They’re a little more relaxed.”

INJURY UPDATE: Todd Heap (calf) and Willis McGahee (knee) missed Sunday’s practice. Harbaugh said Heap had “a little tweak” that was probably related to fatigue and did not rule him out of Thursday’s preseason opener in New England.

The prognosis was not so bright for McGahee.

“Right now, we just need to get the fluid out of his knee and get that thing settled down a little bit,” Harbaugh said.

Safety Ed Reed (shoulder), defensive tackle Haloti Ngata (knee) and tight end Daniel Wilcox (toe) were dressed for practice Sunday but did not fully participate in practice.

eric.detweiler@baltimoreexaminer.com