Ravens practice in heavy winds on baseball field

Inside linebacker Ellerbe has been bothered by an ankle injury, while tight end Pitta has a thigh problem. Both moved freely in Baltimore's first practice in New Orleans.

Ellerbe said earlier this week "I'm definitely playing in this game," and Pitta echoed those sentiments.

 

The Ravens practiced for nearly 2 hours on a makeshift 80-yard field stretching across the outfield at Tulane's Greer Field baseball stadium. Unlike the San Francisco 49ers, who worked out at the Saints' indoor facility, Baltimore dealt with wind gusts up to 24 mph.

 

Baltimore had the option of working at the Saints' indoor facility late in the afternoon or early Wednesday evening, after the 49ers finished.  But coach John Harbaugh said he and the players preferred to practice on schedule in mid-afternoon.

 

"We had a great practice," Harbaugh said as his players left the field. "We didn't like the wind, but we got all of our work done. Spirits are high. They looked great.

 

"Our players are upbeat and happy. They don't complain about anything."

 

In past Super Bowls here, teams have practiced on Tulane's football field.  But that field is under construction because the school is building a new on-campus stadium.  

 

In addition to the field Baltimore practiced on Wednesday, Tulane has another 50-yard  field that kickers and punters are using.