After 2 divisional round losses in 2 years, the Baltimore Ravens have a crucial training camp coming up if they want to get over the hump. When does it start, where will it be held, and are fans allowed to attend?
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With phase 3 of the 2021 NFL offseason set to wrap up on June 18th, teams are already looking forward to training camp. It is by far the most grueling and pivotal part of a team’s preparations.
Training camps often include busy days for players and coaches, sometimes with 2 practices a day, weight training, team meetings, and film sessions.
Per the league’s Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), no contact is permitted during the first 3 days of camp. Days 4 and 5 will see players at full speed in light equipment called “spiders and shells”, day 6 is a mandatory day off, and finally fully-padded practices start on the 7th day.
Along with the strenuous schedule, full-speed practices mean that both contact and non-contact injuries are very common. Regardless, training camp is mandatory for all players unlike OTAs which are voluntary. If a player doesn’t show up, they risk getting cut by their team.
When Does Training Camp Start for the Baltimore Ravens?
For the first time in NFL history, there will be a unified start for training camp. 29 franchises, including the Ravens, will kickoff their training camps on Tuesday, July 27th.
The Cowboys and Steelers, who will play in the preseason Hall of Fame game, are allowed to begin training camp as early as July 21st. The Buccaneers will also be allowed to start training camp 3 days earlier on the 24th, as they play the season opener against Dallas on a Thursday night.
For the first time, the NFL will have a unified start to training camp, with 29 teams set to report Tuesday, July 27 — 47 days before the Sunday of Week 1, as allowed by the CBA — and plans for league-wide practices and fan events Saturday, July 31.
Midsummer Madness, anyone?
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) May 25, 2021
The #Cowboys and #Steelers can report as early as July 21 because of the hall of fame game. The #Bucs can report July 24 because of a Thursday opener. Players from the other 29 teams are required to report July 27, per the CBA.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) May 25, 2021
Also read: Jacksonville Jaguars Training Camp 2021: Start Date, Location, Roster Battles, and Fan Policy
Where is the Ravens Training Camp Being Held?
Normally, NFL teams are permitted to hold training camp at outside facilities to improve accessibility for fans, However last year, due to the uncertainty caused by the COVID pandemic, teams were instructed to conduct camp at their own training facilities.
With the situation looking a little more optimistic, the league has informed teams they can return to outside facilities, should they choose to do so.
The Ravens will practice at the Under Armor Performance Center in Owings Mills, and will hold one open practice at M&T Bank Stadium as well.
Baltimore Ravens Training Camp Roster: Key Position Battles to Watch
As usual, teams will start camp with 90-man rosters. They must cut down to 85 players by August 17th and to 80 by August 24th, before settling on a final 53-man roster by August 31st.
The Ravens are truly bubbling with potential. In both of the last 2 seasons, they got to the divisional where they would ultimately lose. It’s a good indication that the team is talented, but has struggled to perform in the playoffs so far.
All the talent also means that there are very few starting positions up for grabs at training camp. Something to look out for, though, is the Left Guard battle.
Last year’s starter, Bradley Bozeman, will be playing center in 2021 meaning that LG is open. Baltimore spent their 3rd round pick this year on Georgia lineman Ben Cleveland, who will be competing with Ben Powers and Tyre Philips for the job.
(Fun fact: the Ravens have yet another guard named Ben (Ben Bredeson).
John Harbaugh and co will also hope to settle on a QB2, with Tyler Huntley and fan-favorite Trace McSorley as their options.
Will Fans Be Allowed to Attend Ravenns Training Camp?
The NFL is planning to have fans at all training camps, with fan events scheduled to start on July 31st. The Ravens will hold 12 free/open practices at Under Armor Performance Center on top of the previously mentioned practice at the stadium.
They hope to have around 1,000 fans at each practice in Owings Mills. “We are thrilled to welcome Ravens fans back to training camp,” said Ravens senior VP of marketing Brad Downs.
“We missed not having the energy of our fans at practice last year. Our upcoming training camp will be especially meaningful, knowing just how great it will be to reconnect with the Ravens Flock in person.”
