Eric Detweiler, The Examiner
2008-08-14 07:00:00.0
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BALTIMORE -

Just because Ravens offensive tackle Mike Kracalik has never spent a full season on an NFL roster doesn’t mean he has low expectations for his fourth training camp.

Kracalik, a former San Diego State standout who has appeared in three career games as he’s spent most of his three-year career on the practice squad, is determined to move up the depth chart.

“I wasn’t coming in here just to be somebody’s blocking dummy,” Kracalik said.

When projected starting tackles Adam Terry and Jared Gaither went down at the beginning of training camp with sprained ankles, Kracalik got his chance.

The 6-foot-8, 340 pounder has worked with the first team as part of a rotation with rookie Oneil Cousins and recently signed veteran Chad Slaughter at tackle.

“I’ve been busting my butt,” said Kracalik, who appeared in two games on special teams last season. “I spent the last three seasons working for this. I want to be a starter.”

Kracalik started the preseason opener against New England, playing the first half at right tackle before moving to left tackle in the second half.

Offensive coordinator Cam Cameron said Kracalik likely will start at one of the tackle spots against Minnesota on Saturday at M&T Bank Stadium.

“Obviously, we’re very excited about Adam coming back and getting Jared back, but in the meantime, [Kracalik]’s one of our starting tackles,” Cameron said. “He’s doing a heck of a job.”

Guard Jason Brown, who was a rookie when Kracalik joined the Ravens practice squad as an undrafted rookie in September 2005, said Kracalik has shown tremendous improvement.

“Kracalik has always been hungry,” Brown said. “He feels as though he has a lot to prove. He’s been preparing himself for a chance like this for a very long time.”

When Terry and Gaither return, Kracalik’s role will be unclear. But until Terry and Gaither prove they are in game shape, Kracalik controls his destiny of earning a spot on the 53-man roster.

“It’s great for me developing as a tackle,” Kracalik said. “I couldn’t be happier. It’s a grind sometimes, but with every rep I take, the better I get.”

eric.detweiler@baltimoreexaminer.com