OWINGS MILLS, Md. -- Baltimore Ravens tight end Todd Heap didn't practice for the second consecutive day due to a painful rib injury, and L.J. Smith is preparing to start in his place.
A former starter with the Philadelphia Eagles, Smith hasn't played much this year and has caught just one pass for 26 yards.
"I've got to be prepared for whatever," Smith said. "I'm well-rested, which is good and bad being that game conditioning is a little different tempo and heart rate. I haven't had that in a while."
When asked if he's concerned that Heap could be out, offensive coordinator Cam Cameron replied: "That's not a concern to my knowledge."
Cameron expressed confidence in Smith's ability despite his lack of playing time.
"His lack of plays at tight end is to the way other guys have been playing," Cameron said. "So, if Todd is not at full speed or we need to spell him in there a little bit, we have tremendous confidence in him."
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Nov 20, 2009
12:23 PM
Heap took a huge hit in the game, to his credit the man made a stellar catch anyways. He's a player's player, all guts and glory.