Newly signed veteran defensive tackle Ryan McBean underwent a successful surgery this week to repair his broken ankle, according to The Baltimore Sun.

McBean suffered the injury in the preseason opener against the Atlanta Falcons. The 6-foot-5, 305-pounder knew immediately that he suffered a serious injury.

“Well when my foot was facing the direction to where it wasn’t supposed to be facing then I figured, ‘Yeah, OK. Something is wrong,’” McBean told WNST.

Dr. Robert Anderson, who also performed surgery on Terrell Suggs’ Achilles tendon, inserted metal hardware into McBean’s ankle to help the healing process, which is projected to take about four to six months to fully recover, according to The Sun.

McBean does not expect to return this season.

“I will be back around [Organized Team Activities] time – back to 100 percent,” he said. “That’s my mark and that’s what I’ll be aiming for, that’s what I’ll be going for.”

The 28 year old has not been placed on injured reserve yet, but could end up on the list.

McBean was signed by the Ravens this spring to a one-year deal reportedly worth $1.2 million, which was not guaranteed and didn’t include a signing bonus, reported Aaron Wilson. He was suspended for the first three games of the season for a violation of the NFL’s performance-enhancing drug policy while playing for the Denver Broncos.

With a season return seemingly out of the question, McBean is already focused on his rehab to ensure proper healing.

“It only took me 30 seconds to feel sorry for myself and then after that 30 seconds I just moved on from there,” he said.  “The coaches say, ‘Hey, just make sure [you] heal and get right and just be ready for next year.’”

McBean was listed as the primary backup to Haloti Ngata, but his absence now gives former rookie free agent and practice squad player Bryan Hall a chance to fill that role. A talented defensive lineman, Hall is also known around the halls of the Under Armour Performance Center as the player with the biggest mouth.

“Bryan brags about his 17 sacks he got at Arkansas State every chance he gets in the d-line room,” McBean said. “He’s a guy that comes out to practice and goes hard every single day – not just on the d-line, but on special teams.

“I say that’s a guy that you need to look out for. I believe he can do it and I believe he will do it.”

Ravens Expected To Get Four Compensatory Picks

After sustaining a number of free-agent losses this offseason, the Ravens are expected to receive four compensatory selections for the 2013 NFL Draft next April, according to Brian McFarland of Ravens24X7.com.

If McFarland’s projections are correct, that would give Baltimore 11 picks in the upcoming draft.

The Ravens lost a total of six free agents that should qualify for compensatory picks, including guard Ben Grubbs (Saints), linebacker Jarret Johnson (Chargers), safeties Tom Zbikowski (Colts) and Haruki Nakamura (Panthers), defensive end Cory Redding (Colts) and defensive tackle Brandon McKinney (Colts).

Those losses were countered by two Ravens signings of cornerback Corey Graham (Bears) and safety Sean Considine (Arizona).

That nets out to four picks.

“It is possible that Considine may not qualify in the evaluation but that designation is a [moot] point anyway, since the maximum number of comp picks awarded to any individual team is four,” wrote McFarland.

Note that players cut by the Ravens or by their former teams do not weigh into the compensatory pick calculations. That includes cornerback Chris Carr, wide receiver Lee Evans, guard Bobbie Williams and receiver/returner Jacoby Jones.

Rice Is Last RB Standing In Division

An injury bug has done some damage to starting running backs in the AFC North, with only Ray Rice still standing, ESPN’s Jamison Hensley points out.

Knock on wood.

A total of seven running backs are currently injured in the division, including Browns first-round pick Trent Richardson (arthroscopic knee surgery), Bengals veteran starter BenJarvus Green-Ellis (foot) and backup Bernard Scott (hand) and Steelers current top back Isaac Redman (groin).

“None of the injuries to the starting backs are considered serious. When the season begins in less than four weeks, Green-Ellis, Richardson and Redman are expected to be lining up in the backfield,” wrote Hensley. “Still, the number of injured backs heading into the second preseason game is a troublesome trend for the division.”

Also, Pittsburgh’s starting running back of the last three years, Rashard Mendenhall, is trying to come back from a torn ACL.

Ravens fans just hope Rice and the Ravens obey the first commandment of preseason play tonight: Thou shalt not get injured.

What To Watch For vs. Detroit

Oh yeah, the Ravens have their preseason home opener tonight. Seems strange it took so long to mention it this morning.

Here are some things analysts say you should watch out for:

Better communication in the offensive line, translating to better protection for quarterback Joe Flacco. After his visit to practice in Owings Mills, Md., former Ravens Head Coach Brian Billick tweeted that the Ravens front office must have a “sickening” feeling when thinking about either Tyrod Taylor or Curtis Painter being just one play away from being the starter. To prevent that from happening, Flacco can’t get hit the way he did in Atlanta last week.

The Ravens will face a new challenge Friday night against the Lions defensive line that features Pro Bowl defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh and defensive end Cliff Avril, but they should also have veteran center Matt Birk back. “The offensive line, which should have better communication with six-time Pro Bowl center Matt Birk expected to make his preseason debut after sitting out last week with back issues, needs to match the Lions’ power and toughness,” wrote Wilson.

Can kicker Billy Cundiff perform under pressure? That’s the question CBSSports.com’s Jason Butt wants to have answered tonight, as Cundiff is slated to get the first field-goal attempt tonight. “In a perfect scenario, the Ravens will have enough tries for both Cundiff and rookie Justin Tucker,” Butt wrote. “Tucker has outperformed Cundiff in practice by making 95 percent of his attempts. Still, there’s a general feeling the job is Cundiff’s to lose. If Cundiff can prove he can still hit big kicks in game situations then the safer he’ll be when Baltimore is forced to trim its roster down.”

Running back Bernard Pierce will try to make his case to become Rice’s primary backup. The third-round draft pick missed the first preseason game with a hamstring injury, but he is expected to get a chance to prove his worth against the Lions. “With Anthony Allen and Damien Berry having yet to stand out during training camp, Pierce will get an extended look Friday, and an impressive performance would go a long way in his quest to win the backup running back job behind Ray Rice,” wrote The Sun’s Jeff Zrebiec.

Quick Hits

• @pkruger99: Preseason game #2 against Detroit tomorrow night.. M&T goes hard pre, regular or post-season. Can’t wait, love playing at home. [Twitter]
• @RavensSalaryCap: If Ryan McBean’s ankle is broken and he ends up on IR, he’ll still count against the team’s Salary Cap. [Twitter]
• @CoachBillick: As for #Ravens…lack of depth behind Ray Rice concerning, but filling void left by Ben Grubbs may actually be more detrimental to run game. [Twitter]
• @RavenManiac [Kris Jones, Ravens24X7]: Best moment of the day, @RayRice27 and Ray Lewis meet a child from Make-A-Wish [Twitter]
• @Ravens: #Ravens Matt Birk will host nearly 150 Baltimore-area elementary school students for a school supply distribution at Walmart this Saturday. [Twitter]
• @wbalradio: Ray Rice @RayRice27 Helps Out Local Teachers #Ravens [Twitter]
• @Ravens: Kickoff for the Ravens’ final preseason game at the St. Louis Rams on Thursday, Aug. 30, has been moved to 7 p.m [from 8pm] [Twitter]
• @Thoroughbred954 [WR Dorian Graham]: Jus downloaded my boi @Crushboy31 app y’all shud check it out called Bourre! [Twitter]
• Pierce on what it’s like to become a father (his fiancée gave birth to Bernard Jr. earlier this month): “I’d say it feels like your birthday. It comes one time a year. I know this is my day. But it’s really not your birthday. I was overwhelmed, excited. I really can’t totally explain the feeling because it’s something I’ve never felt before.” [CBSSports.com]
• Quarterback Tyrod Taylor says he’s “way ahead” of where he was last season. [CSNBaltimore.com]

Williams signed his $1.972 million second-round tender this afternoon, taking the Ravens’ final restricted free agent off the market.

The fifth-year cornerback had hip surgery to repair a torn labrum on Feb. 15, and has been rehabbing and waiting to see what happened with contract negotiations before returning.

He said there hasn’t been talk of a long-term contract extension since the draft.

“Hopefully we’ll get back to the table,” Williams said. “But right now I just want to rehab and make sure my hip is right and that I can play at a high level. Contract talks can go from there. I just want to make sure that I can play for the Ravens this season.”

Williams became a first-time starter last year, lining up opposite Lardarius Webb for all 16 games. He notched 78 tackles, 18 pass deflections and two forced fumbles.

He was playing the final seven weeks of the regular season and playoffs in pain.

Williams hurt himself during the Seattle Seahawks game on Nov. 13. He thought it might go away, but the problem persisted and would shoot pain down his right leg when he opened his hips inside.

Williams has his range of motion back now and says he’s at about 80 percent. He is hoping to be back on the field in time for the Ravens’ minicamp starting June 11, but expects to definitely be fully healthy in time for training camp.

“That’s already set in stone,” Williams said. “I’m eager to get out there and run with the guys. My body is saying, ‘Yeah, it’s that time.’ But I just can’t. I’m just trying to stay within the limits and take it slow.”

Williams will compete with second-year cornerback Jimmy Smith to keep his starting spot. Smith earned more playing time as the season went on last year, and notched two interceptions in the regular season and another in the playoffs.

“I welcome competition. I’ve competed all my life,” Williams said.

“I think all the guys are excited about the opportunity. We understand what we had last year and this year we’re going to be tested with the schedule. We’re all happy about the situation. It doesn’t matter who’s out there or who the three may be or whatever order you’re in. Regardless, we’re three of the top corners in the league and we’re going to be a force for a lot of people out there on Sundays.”

Two things rookie receiver Torrey Smith couldn’t enjoy last year: health and offseason programs with the team.

He will have both now that the speedy vertical threat declared himself fully recovered from the hernia surgery he underwent in late January. His recovery comes just in time for the Ravens’ voluntary lifting sessions scheduled to begin April 16.

“I’ll be ready come Monday,” Smith told PFT Live in the video below.

Smith was one of the most impactful rookies for the Ravens last season, hauling in 50 catches for 841 yards and a franchise rookie record seven touchdowns, despite his injury and the NFL lockout.

He said he played through pain since Week 4, following his 152-yard, three-touchdown breakout game in St. Louis, and didn’t find out until after the season that he had what he characterized as one hernia with multiple tears in his groin muscle.

The Maryland alumnus said he feels fine now and even participated in his foundation’s charity basketball game recently, where felt good enough to dunk a few times.

Given that he had such an impressive rookie season despite the injury and a typical offseason, it’s exciting to imagine what Smith will be able to accomplish now.

He told BaltimoreRavens.com that he thinks he can top 1,000 receiving yards next season and is working on becoming more consistent.

And can he be even more explosive?

“My biggest thing is that I will be healthy and whatever comes with that,” Smith said. “I was fast last year even with the injury so I wasn’t really too concerned about that. [I was just concerned about] not being able to play, about not having any pain while playing. I’m just excited about that.”

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Harbros’ Team Needs To Face Off In Super Bowl

The ‘”Harbros,‘” John and Jim Harbaugh, were a touchdown drop and an overtime loss away from facing each other in the Super Bowl last season.

Neither team, the Ravens nor 49ers, have many holes to fill in order to get over the hump in their respective conferences and compete on the world’s biggest sports stage.

In the video below, ESPN’s Mel Kiper, Trent Dilfer and Chris Mortensen discuss the intensity of the Harbaugh brothers and breakdown the moves each team can make in the draft in order to get the job done.

LB Wagner Visits Ravens

Utah State middle linebacker Bobby Wagner visited the Ravens, reports The Carroll County Times’ Aaron Wilson.

But Baltimore is just one stop on his tour around the NFL. He is scheduled to meet a total of 15 teams.

Ravens representatives have already gotten a look at the three-time All-Western Athletic Conference performer, as linebacker coaches reportedly attended his Pro Day in March. Wagner was unable to participate in the scouting combine because he was sick with pneumonia and required hospitalization.

The 6-foot, 241-pounder was a four-year starter and two-time captain for the Aggies. In his senior year, he notched a career-high 147 tackles with four sacks and two interceptions. He recorded 20 tackles in a single game against Louisiana Tech and added 18 more against Colorado State.

Wagner could fit in well with the Ravens, who covet versatility, as he has started at all three linebacker positions.

“[He] is known as an aggressive tackler who’s relentless and athletic in pursuit,” wrote Wilson.

Wrong Mike Wallace

Mike Wallace passed over the weekend.

Not THAT Mike Wallace.

The legendary journalist Mike Wallace, 93, best known for his work on CBS’ 60 Minutes, died Friday and apparently many thought it was the Steelers’ wide receiver.

CSNBaltimore.com compiled a sampling of confused tweeters:

• “This Mike Wallace death is seriously bad news for the Steelers”
• “RIP Mike Wallace. Maybe the Steelers shouldn’t have cut Hines Ward?”
• “Sad to hear Mike Wallace died, he was a helluva receiver, the Steelers are really gonna miss him.”
• “First the Steelers released Mike Wallace now he’s dead?” (Wallace is a restricted free agent.)
• “RIP Mike Wallace, now the steelers def gon draft a WR in the draft #onlythegooddieyoung”

Quick Hits

• CoachBillick: History suggests you can’t go wrong by drafting OL from Wisconsin…Peter Konz & Kevin Zeitler will carry on that strong tradition this yr. [Twitter]
• RayRice27: Time to run these hills with the weighted vest #neversatisfied [Twitter]

• untouchablejay4: Kicked the shhhhhh outta the workout this morning!!!!! [Twitter]
• RavensCommunity: Learn more about the Ravens’ efforts to inspire and assist the community by downloading our 2011 Community Scrapbook! [Twitter]

• It took 28 days, but the Steelers finally signed their first free agent, reaching a one-year deal with tight end Leonard Pope. [ESPN]
• Joe Vitt, a former Towson University linebacker, is now the Saints’ likely choice as an interim replacement for Saints Head Coach Sean Payton, who is suspended for 2012 for his role in the “Bountygate” scandal. [CSNBaltimore.com]

But what would you say if you knew he was injured the whole year?

Head Coach John Harbaugh said Smith played through a sports hernia and waited to have surgery until after the year.

“Torrey Smith had double sports hernia surgery,” Harbaugh said Friday at the NFL Scouting Combine. “He nursed that the whole year, he did a great job of that.”

Smith tweeted after news broke that he hasn’t been able to drive since the surgery.

It’s unclear exactly how long Smith’s injury will sideline him, but the fact that he didn’t miss any practice or games is a good sign that it won’t be long.

Fellow Ravens wide receiver Tandon Doss played his final year at Indiana through a sports hernia and came back in time for his rookie season.

“Please don’t worry about my health I am fine haha Ill be full speed in a few,” Smith tweeted.

Smith had 50 receptions for 841 yards and seven touchdowns during the regular season. He had three catches for 82 yards and a 42-yard score in the AFC championship.

The wide receiver isn’t the only Ravens player who had postseason surgery.

Harbaugh also revealed that cornerback Cary Williams had a procedure on his hip to repair a torn labrum. A Google search says it’s a two to six-month recovery.

In his first year as a starter, Williams still played the entire season and recorded 78 tackles, 18 pass deflections and two forced fumbles.

Lastly, center Matt Birk is looking at looking his varicose veins fixed.

“His legs might be looking a lot better if and when he comes back,” Harbaugh said.

Tough doesn’t come close to being the appropriate description considering what he revealed Wednesday.

Yanda told reporters he had calf surgery the same night he was injured in Cleveland, on Christmas Eve. The first-time Pro Bowler started and played in Cincinnati only a week later.

“I got leg-whipped in my calf area,” Yanda said. “They had to do emergency surgery that night and slit the muscle open to release the pressure. I was dealing with that, too.

“It was a nasty scar and a [crappy] way to spend Christmas Eve, but that was the way it was. I was fighting that, too. That was really sore, and my ribs.”

The grizzled Iowa farm boy drew loads of praise from his coaches and teammates after playing Cincinnati, where he helped running back Ray Rice go for 191 yards and two touchdowns and helped push the Ravens to the AFC North division title.

“There’s not a tougher player I’ve been around in 27 years of coaching,” Head Coach John Harbaugh said.

“For Marshal to come back and play when we thought he was going to miss two weeks showed toughness,” quarterback Joe Flacco added. “It really makes you look at those guys in a whole different light and say, ‘Wow.’”

Yanda has recovered from the injury heading into Sunday’s divisional game against the Houston Texans, especially given an extra week off due to the first-round bye.

“It’s over with now,” Yanda said. “I got the stitches out and my leg feels good.”

In addition to Yanda, Harbaugh also gave an update on the other injured Ravens.

He said all three players who were dealing with concussions – linebacker Dannell Ellerbe, cornerback Jimmy Smith and safety Tom Zbikowski – have been cleared for contact. They all practiced fully. Only linebacker Brendon Ayanbadejo (thigh) was limited in practice.

On Monday, Harbaugh said he “anticipates everybody playing.”

Unfortunately, that insurance policy won’t come in the form of former Raven and Washington Redskin Casey Rabach.

Rabach, who agreed to terms with the Ravens on Tuesday for a two-year deal, failed his physical and will not join the club. The 11-year veteran reportedly was not fully recovered from offseason shoulder surgery.

“We will be looking for another center,” Ravens Head Coach John Harbaugh said.

“We tried to sign Casey Rabach. He failed his physical, so we’ll just keep looking. We’ll be looking for a center to get through camp and then provide some depth throughout the course of the season.”

Birk is only expected to miss three to four weeks, which means the Ravens will not have to dish out big dollars on a potential starter.

Behind Birk, the Ravens have practice squadder Bryan Mattison and undrafted rookies Ryan Bartholomew and Tim Barnes.

“Matt will be our starting center,” Harbaugh said of the 13-year vet. “But Matt’s older; I don’t think he necessarily needs training camp. That’s my feeling – let him get this cleaned up right now, and we’ll get a week or two of training camp with him and he’ll be ready to play.”

Birk bravely fought through knee issues during much of the 2010 campaign.

Harbaugh noted that Birk would likely have had the surgery during the offseason, but the NFL lockout forced him to wait until the labor situation was resolved.

“I think if we’d have had him here the whole offseason, and he’d been here, this would have been done in February, March, April, something like that,” Harbaugh said. “That’s probably one of the negatives of having this whole situation.

“It’s a minor procedure from what I’m told. Otherwise, it would have been bothering him all year, it would’ve swollen up and stuff like that, so we decided to go ahead and get that cleaned up right now.”

Of the available unrestricted free agent centers on the market, Chicago’s Olin Kreutz, San Francisco’s Eric Heitmann and Kansas City’s Rudy Niswanger head the list.

Note: Harbaugh confirmed that rookie cornerback Jimmy Smith had a “minor groin tweak” and wideout James Hardy was suffering from a hamstring injury.  Neither injury is deemed serious.

Last week, offensive guard Ben Grubbs had a second surgery on his ankle in as many years to remove bone spurs from the area, according to the Carroll County Times’ Aaron Wilson.

The procedure was conducted about a month away from his upcoming charity softball game, scheduled for June 5 at Ripken Stadium in Aberdeen.

"I’m still rehabbing my ankle, and I would love to play in the softball game because I had a blast last year," Grubbs told the Times. "Getting my ankle right, that’s definitely my top priority. I feel great. I feel a lot better than the last surgery.

"I played in some pain the last two years. It’s been rough on me. Over the last two years, I accumulated more bone spurs and that was causing me problems. They got rid of those, hopefully. I give a lot of props to my doctors. They did a great job."

Rehabbing in Pensacola, Fla., Grubbs is still using crutches, but hopes to completely ditch those and move into a walking boot soon.

Optimistic that there will still be a 2011 season, the five-year starter said he’ll be ready for football whenever it is set to begin.

"Hopefully, I’ll be able to get back to 100 percent," said Grubbs. "I’m getting ready for an awesome season."

Proceeds from Grubbs’ second annual softball game will go toward the Park Heights Boys & Girls Club, a cause Grubbs deeply believes in after being raised by a single mother. His event raised $50,000 last year.

Joe Flacco, Ray Rice, Lardarius Webb, Michael Oher, Haruki Nakamura and Cory Redding are just a few Ravens teammates scheduled to attend.

Jets-Ravens Playoff Would Be ‘Epic’

Last year’s season-opening grudge match between the Ravens and Jets was unforgettable – plenty of trash talk, a vintage Ray Lewis bone-crunching hit on Dustin Keller and only one point separated the two teams when time expired.

And that was just a regular-season game.

“I feel like those two teams are on course at some point to give us an epic post-season, not regular-season, contest,” said Mike Florio on ProFootballTalk Live.

After comparing last season’s opener to a gladiator-like combat out of Rome, CSNBaltimore.com’s John Eisenberg said it would be a game welcomed by more than TV executives and fans.

“Yeah, I know a lot of people would love it,” Eisenberg said. “On the other side, Rex Ryan [former Ravens defensive coordinator] would give anything for that game. Rex talks a little trash at the Ravens – its tough love, for sure.

“Most of the starters on that defense, they love him. They love being with him, they love competing against him. … It would be epic.”

A re-match against Ryan and former Ravens linebacker Bart Scott are obvious draws, but receiver Santonio Holmes also has a history with the Ravens, giving them playoff headaches during his Pittsburgh Steelers days.

“Holmes has killed the Ravens over the years so it would probably come back to that again. One way or another, no matter who they are playing, the Ravens have to become better playmakers if they are going to beat any [elite] teams consistently, especially in the postseason.

“With Holmes on the Jets, he’s killed them before, he’ll probably kill them again, so they definitely need to find an answer to that to beat these teams.”

We’ll have to wait to see if the football gods will bless us with the much-desired playoff meeting, but until then, the Week 4 primetime contest on Oct. 4 at M&T Bank Stadium surely won’t disappoint.

Eisenberg: Reid Starting At RT ‘A Stretch’

Presenting five questions about the offensive line this offseason, Eisenberg takes a stab at predicting whether Ravens third-round draft pick Jah Reid will be ready to start at right tackle in 2011.

“The team said [Reid] would compete for a starting job right away, but that sounds like a stretch for a guy coming from Central Florida,” wrote Eisenberg. “He is a massive run blocker with a high upside, and if he truly is able to step in, that would make the [Jared] Gaither decision a lot easier.”

Reid is a relatively unknown commodity to Ravens fans, so pinpointing exactly what he can bring to the table is a bit cloudy.

Take a look at The Sporting News’ report (via ESPN) on Reid’s strengths and weaknesses:

Strengths: Has tremendous height (6-7) and long arms. Shows a nice ability to widen the pocket and create space for his quarterback. Has good strength that allows him to knock defenders off the ball. Excels against stunts and shows the right amount of patience.

Weaknesses: Has difficulty blocking shorter defenders. Is not quick enough to thwart defenders who blitz off the edge. Has limited athleticism, which means he is less likely to be used as a swing tackle at the pro level.

Quick Hits

• Vote for the Ravens’ most defining moment since the team has been in existence (1996). With 22,397 votes already submitted to the SportsNation poll, 54 percent of fans say drafting Ray Lewis and Jonathan Ogden was the defining moment, while 40 percent say it was winning Super Bowl XXXV. [ESPN]
• Updating his 2008 draft grades now that he has three years of hindsight, Pete Prisco changed his Ravens grade from a C to a B. [CBSSports.com]
• RayRice27: Just worked out with @AnquanBoldin back at it tomorrow am [Twitter]
• Former Steelers and Ravens quarterback Kordell Stewart has been charged with driving with a suspended license and speeding. [ESPN]
• If Bengals quarterback Carson Palmer returns to Cincinnati, he will have the starting position waiting for him, according to Head Coach Marvin Lewis. Second-round draft selection Andy Dalton is still a fall-back option. [Cincinnati Enquirer.]

Ravens receiver Derrick Mason underwent a pair of successful surgeries to mend ailments sustained during his 14th season in the NFL, according to MASN’s Jen Royle.

Mason had surgery to repair a hernia and a broken finger, the report stated.

Early last season, the 37 year old told reporters that he initially injured his pinkie in Week 6 against the New England Patriots, had a pin put in it during the bye week and then broke it again in the Ravens Week 10 loss to the Atlanta Falcons.

Mason finished second on the team with 802 receiving yards and seven touchdowns, but cooled off in the playoffs making one catch for 11 yards.

He is currently slated to return for his seventh season in Baltimore, reportedly set to make $4.5 million. Mason has not, however, made a decision on whether he will retire.

Lewis Calls Out Cromartie

Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis called out Jets cornerback Antonio Cromartie for his profanity-laced critical comments of NFL and NFL Players Association leaders, reported ESPN.

Although Cromartie was critical, Lewis wanted to send the message that players are behind Union Executive Director DeMaurice Smith.

"Great leaders are servants first," Lewis said. "That is who our leaders are. Players are not going to turn on each other. We are blessed with what we have and it is on all of us to keep it fair. I’m resolved to do that."

Owners and the players’ association are prepping for a potential lockout in early March if the two sides cannot come to an agreement on a new collective bargaining agreement. Free agent players like Cromartie won’t be able to negotiate new deals until a deal is settled and will be in the dark as to where they will play next season.

"To me, you need to stop [complaining] about it," Cromartie said the day after his season ended, "and if you wanna say you’re gonna get into a room and meet and greet, and say you’re gonna do what you need to do, then do it. Don’t just talk about it."

ESPN’s Jane McManus put in perspective how critical comments like Cromartie’s can hurt the players’ leverage in negotiations.

“It was a substantive breach in the solidarity the players are trying to maintain as the conflict is about to enter another phase,” wrote McManus. “A fractious group of players would have less bargaining power, as the league and union negotiate how to divvy up the billions of dollars in revenue that the league takes in.”

McGahee Poses Nude For PETA

As part of a People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) campaign, Ravens running back Willis McGahee posed nude in photos.

In a campaign photo entitled, “Ink, Not Mink” McGahee showed off his tattoos while holding a football made from synthetic materials, not pigskin.

“I don’t think people really understand where [fur] comes from," said McGahee in a video posted on PETA’s website."You don’t want to electrocute an animal for its fur … that’s not right."

The Baltimore Sun’s Jamison tweeted the photo to fellow running back Ray Rice asking, “What do you think of your teammate?”

Rice simply replied, “lmaoooo.”

“I hear you’re next!” wrote Hensley.

“Nah not me,” replied Rice.

Still No Official Word From Ravens on Austin

Both NFL Network’s Jason La Canfora and National Football Post’s Aaron Wilson reported that the hiring of Teryl Austin as the Ravens’ new secondary coach is near completion.

Both reporters wrote that Austin and the Ravens have already agreed to terms, but haven’t signed off on a contract.

However, there is still no official word from the Ravens organization on who will replace newly promoted Defensive Coordinator Chuck Pagano.

"He’s a great coach and a great guy, and he’ll do big things in Baltimore," former NFL defensive back Marquand Manuel, who played for Austin with the Seattle Seahawks, told Wilson. "I’m just happy for him. He’s the real deal."

Austin, 45, was the defensive coordinator for the Florida Gators last season. Prior to that, he enjoyed coaching stints with the Arizona Cardinals and Seattle Seahawks.

Autopsy Postponed

The Reed family will have to wait until later today to get confirmation that the body pulled from the Mississippi River yesterday is that of their loved one Brian Reed.

Police said in a press conference that the Jefferson Parish, La., coroner’s office will wait at least 24 hours before performing an official autopsy. It’s a standard practice that allows families an opportunity to have an independent doctor examine deceased loved ones.

The St. Charles Parish held a news conference yesterday, where Ravens safety Ed Reed served as a family spokesman.

Reed clarified that when his brother jumped into the river trying to flee from police, there was “nothing illegal” going on.

Brian’s parents were concerned for their son and his mental health when he left in a family member’s car on the morning of Jan. 7. Thus, they called the police and asked them to find their son and bring him home.

"We knew; the parish knew; that day that my brother was having some mental issues and [his parents] contacted the police and had to report the car stolen to try to basically slow my brother down and bring him in, bring him home," Reed said. "Unfortunately, he thought otherwise and the officer was not able to apprehend him and bring him home. … It was nothing illegal going on or anything like that. It was just an issue where concerned parents were trying to bring their child to safety."

Reed was preparing for a wild-card playoff game in Kansas City the day his brother went missing.

Reed thanked the Ravens and even opponents who supported him during the difficult time.

"Being around my teammates, who support me through so much, and like my brothers are very spiritual men," Reed said.

"Even the friends I have on the other teams, Kansas City, the Steelers, those guys were just tremendous at showing support, knowing that life is bigger than the game I play. … We are human and regular people at the end of the day. We’re not immune from the trials and tribulations that go on through life."

The New Orleans Times-Picayune posted video of the news conference:

Quick Hits

• RavensInsider: Ravens center Matt Birk will contemplate retirement, but a source close to Birk expressed confidence that he probably will play 1 more year [Twitter]

• RavensInsider: Among the Ravens Senior Bowl interviews: WRs Vincent Brown, Austin Pettis, Greg Salas and Courtney Smith and Slippery Rock OL Brandon Fusco [Twitter]

• JasonLaCanfora: Commissioner Goodell advises owners in a letter that if there’s a work stoppage, his salary will be reduced to $1 [Twitter]

• DeSmithNFLPA: NFL executives reducing salaries in the event of a lockout? If we have a deal by Super Bowl, I’ll go down to 68 cents [Twitter]
• Patriots linebacker Jerod Mayo is hoping to learn a lesson or two from his icon, Lewis, while the two are in Hawaii for the Pro Bowl this week. [The Boston Herald]
• John Eisenberg gives his 2010 grades for the Ravens’ special teams positions. [CSNBaltimore.com]
• Outside linebacker Terrell Suggs was moments away from doing an interview with Marshall Faulk and showing off his biceps, but when the practice whistle blew, he dashed away before the interview even began.  [NFL.com]

This may be one of those days that you can temporarily find comfort in someone else’s misery.

The Ravens relinquished a lead they held for nearly 57 minutes to the Pittsburgh Steelers, but if you’re a Ravens fan, maybe you can find solace in the fact that Baltimore didn’t get its "butt kicked" by its divisional arch nemesis.

The boastful New York Jets can’t say the same.

The Jets got crushed 45-3 by the New England Patriots in the second-biggest margin of victory in Monday Night Football history.

"We got our butts kicked," Jets Head Coach Rex Ryan said, via National Football Post. "We got outcoached. We got outplayed. Humiliating? It’s the biggest butt-whipping I’ve ever taken as a coach in my career. I’ll stick my chin out again."

Does that make Sunday’s loss feel better? Eh? Yeah, didn’t think so. Still hurts.

The more tangible good news is that since the Ravens could likely be competing for a wild-card berth (unless the Steelers go on a losing streak) it works in their favor that the Jets were on the losing end of the contest instead of the Pats.

The Ravens lost to the Pats this season, but beat the Jets. So in the event of a wild-card tie with Ryan’s squad, Baltimore would hold the tie-breaker and advantage over New York.

Mason Drawing Praise for Speaking up on Behalf of Players

As I wrote in yesterday’s LFW, receiver Derrick Mason expressed disappointment in the Ravens offense. He believes the unit has exceptional talent, but isn’t producing the results they’re capable of.

Several reporters, like the Baltimore Sun’s Ken Murray, have praised Mason for speaking up.

"I think Derrick is frustrated like everyone else on offense, and I respect him for speaking out when it was not the best of times to address the problem," wrote Murray.  "It’s very, very obvious something is missing with this offense. There are so many playmakers and so little production, you want to scream."

MASN’s Dan Kolko reported that while Mason was the vocal player after the game, he’s not alone in his frustration with the sometimes "ineptitude" of the Baltimore offense.

Even Head Coach John Harbaugh said in his press conference yesterday afternoon that the offense is not "good enough."

"There’s a growing feeling from some players that the Ravens should keep their foot on the pedal and keep trying to be aggressive in the second half of games instead of easing up," wrote Kolko.

Added ESPN’s James Walker, "For the first time this season, I have concerns about the Ravens’ offensive chemistry.

"Two weeks ago, receiver Derrick Mason and quarterback Joe Flacco had a heated exchange on the sideline. On Sunday night, Mason vented again about the offense’s lack of aggression. There’s a lot of frustration coming from the Ravens. Of course, much of that has to do with the fact Baltimore may have let a home playoff game and a first-round bye slip through its fingers. The AFC North blogger predicted in the spring that winning was going to be the biggest factor in keeping everyone happy for the Ravens (8-4)." 

Roethlisberger Has Surgery On Broken Nose

Ben Roethlisberger got a nose job on Monday, reported USA Today.

The Steelers quarterback underwent surgery to repair a broken nose he suffered when defensive tackle Haloti Ngata inadvertently hit Big Ben in the face.

Ngata was fined $15,000 for the hit, but the play was not penalized during the game.

 As such, Walker received fan feedback from Steeler Nation asking if Roethlisberger’s reputation and size works against him.

"I do see evidence that Roethlisberger’s size works against him," Walker wrote. "Listed at 241 pounds, Roethlisberger is comparable in size to most linebackers and may be the hardest quarterback to bring down after contact. As a result, referees have been slower to throw flags when Roethlisberger is hit."

Quick Hits

• "I was shocked at the difference [the absence of Le'Ron McClain] made [Sunday]. I have new respect for Le’Ron now. There was no running game, and no commitment to run," wrote Murray. [The Baltimore Sun]
• Why did the Ravens sign fullback Jason McKie, but not play him Sunday night? Murray says the Ravens picked the best guy available and tried to see how quickly he could pick up the offensive system, but he obviously didn’t make a lot of progress. [The Baltimore Sun]
• RavensInsider: Jameel McClain is making $470,000, so [$40,000 is a] very significant fine, 11.75 percent of his salary. He makes about $27,647 per game check.
• Steelers receiver Hines Ward said his team’s win "shocked the world" because most predicted a Ravens victory.  [The Baltimore Sun]