damien berry

Ray Rice's absence from organized team activities has given the Ravens a chance to focus on a group of unproven players hoping to back up a player many consider the best all-around running back in the NFL.

Flacco, Rice, Boldin, Smith among players attending on Sunday

Quarterback Joe Flacco's focus is on the field and his Ravens teammates, not his contract status.

The Ravens began organized team activities Tuesday, marking the first time this offseason that the team's new rookies have been on the practice field with veterans.

From contract negotiations with quarterback Joe Flacco and running back Ray Rice to a potentially season-ending Achilles injury to star linebacker Terrell Suggs to coach John Harbaugh's comments on the New England Patriots to mercurial safety Ed Reed's controversial radio interviews, the Ravens have made plenty of off-the-field news this offseason.

Rice didn¿t address the ongoing contract negotiations between his agent, Todd France, and the Ravens. However, he left little doubt that he will be ready to play when he reports to the team. Rice is expected to sit out the various mini-camps and organized team activities.

Courtney Upshaw has agreed to terms with the Baltimore Ravens.

Here is a question that the Baltimore Ravens will have to answer in the coming weeks: Will they be comfortable going into the season without an experienced backup behind Pro Bowler Ray Rice?

The Ravens¿ front office has long been admired for its decision making during the draft, but Ozzie Newsome, Eric DeCosta and Company also take great pride in the work that they do in the couple of hours following its conclusion. Offensive lineman Mike Flynn and linebackers Bart Scott, Jameel McClain and Dannell Ellerbe are among the undrafted free agents that the Ravens have signed and developed into key contributors.

After the fourth round of the 2012 NFL draft Saturday, Ravens offensive coordinator Cam Cameron made a cameo at the introductory press conference for Courtney Upshaw, Kelechi Osemele and Bernard Pierce. In addition to Kelechi, an Iowa State offensive lineman, and Pierce, the big Temple back, the Ravens had just drafted him another offensive player in Delaware center Gino Gradkowski.

Ravens Insider: Jeff Zrebiec presents an NFL draft edition of news, notes and opinions

Every weekday through April 25, the day before the first round of the NFL draft, The Sun will examine where the Ravens stand at each position, the likelihood that they will address that spot early in the draft and some of the prospects that they may consider.

The Ravens will host plenty more prospects in the weeks ahead. There is a lot that goes into deciding what prospects come to team facilities in the days before the draft.

Still motivated by draft fall, running back eyeing key role with Ravens

Brandon Jacobs Baltimore Ravens

John Harbaugh may have raised some eyebrows ¿ or at least spurred some speculation ¿ when he said at the owners meetings yesterday that former New York Giants running back Brandon Jacobs is ¿definitely¿ on the team¿s list.

"We have to upgrade the offensive line," Ravens coach John Harbaugh saud during the owners meetings Tuesday at The Breakers hotel in Palm Beach, Fla. "I don't even know if we have a full complement of linemen to be on our 53-man roster right now."

Ravens running back Ray Rice is scheduled to become a free agent, but the team will place the franchise tag on him by March 5 in the hopes of working out a long-term deal with the Pro Bowl back. That's a bummer for teams looking for an elite back as Rice would have been the best available runner.

Ravens coach spoke to 105.7 The Fan from Indianapolis

Ravens notes: Salary cap won't prevent team from filling needs

After being on the cusp of a Super Bowl trip, Ravens have only minor changes to make

Running back Ricky Williams has told Ravens officials that he is retiring, according to sources. But the team is leaving the door open for the 34-year-old to return in 2012 should he change his mind, which is a possibility.

The retirement of Ricky Williams leaves the Ravens with one running back who has more than five career NFL carries -- and that¿s Ray Rice, who is an unrestricted free agent this offseason. Here's a quick look at who the Ravens have on the roster (besides Rice) and a little speculation with three free-agent running backs and three soon-to-be draftees who might fit with the team.

Ravens will likely scour free agent market to find new backup running back

Ravens players including Ray Lewis, Vonta Leach sang and rapped with fans at a charity event Tuesday

Rookie corner Chykie Brown, late addition at defensive end Michael McAdoo make team after flashing potential late in preseason