Perfect timing

Baltimore CFL coach Don Matthews was looking to upgrade the performance of his offensive line. Nick Subis was looking for a job.

The timing couldn't have been much better.

Subis, a sixth-round draft pick of the Denver Broncos in 1991, arrived at camp on Sunday. He lined up at center during yesterday morning's practice. He also had played guard and tackle at San Diego State. Matthews said he probably will play in tomorrow night's exhibition game at Memorial Stadium against the Winnipeg Blue Bombers.

Subis (6 feet 5, 270 pounds) brings additional CFL experience to Baltimore, having spent half a season with the Sacramento Gold Miners.

Before that, he had played one season with the Broncos -- mostly on special teams -- and had gone to training camp with the Los Angeles Rams. He was in school, taking his last class toward a degree in physical education, when Baltimore called.

"I was still conditioning and working out," he said. "This is like a crash course, but I'll get it. Right now, I've still got jet lag."

Matthews said it's too soon to make a judgment, but "he certainly has learned [the offense]."

Ismail fails physical

Another new arrival who was expected to help at guard, Hesham Ismail, failed his physical.

Ismail suffered a hamstring injury during an Arena Football game for the Tampa Bay Storm on Saturday night. He had joined

Baltimore on Sunday but spent yesterday's practice on the sidelines.

"We're going to send him home. He's not ready to play," Matthews said.

Culver will be ready

Receiver Shannon Culver missed Friday's 33-18 exhibition victory over Shreveport because of a sprained ankle, but he'll be ready for tomorrow night's game.

Culver, who has tremendous speed and slight build, accounted for five of Tracy Ham's eight completions during the no-huddle drill.

Ham was 8-for-10 with a touchdown. Backup John Congemi completed his last seven passes, including a touchdown.

MEET THE COLTS

O'Neil Glenn

Pos: OG

Ht: 6-2

Wt: 290

College:

Maryland

Year:

Rookie

Outlook: A late arrival to camp, Glenn was on the verge of claiming a starting job when a strained Achilles' tendon kept him out of Friday's exhibition game. Once ran a 4.9 in the 40. Strong and quick.