By Camille Powell
Washington Post Staff Writer
Tuesday, September 4, 2007

The Baltimore Ravens are among the teams that have spoken with agent Tom Condon about former Jacksonville quarterback Byron Leftwich. General Manager Ozzie Newsome told the Baltimore Sun that he has had "a couple of small conversations" with Condon about Leftwich, who was released over the weekend.

The Ravens liked Leftwich when he was coming out Marshall; they tried to move up in the 2003 draft to take him, but ran into a last-minute snag. Baltimore wound up with Kyle Boller instead; Boller struggled as a starter and now is in his second year as the backup to Steve McNair.

Baltimore is comfortable with Boller as the backup because he knows the offense, but he is entering the final year of his contract and his future with the Ravens is uncertain. Heisman Trophy winner Troy Smith, a fifth-round draft pick who struggled during the preseason, is the third quarterback on the roster. . . .

The Ravens will wait until the end of the week to determine what their offensive line will be for the season opener against Cincinnati. Pro Bowl left tackle Jonathan Ogden is recovering from a hyperextended big toe and began practicing last week, but the team is hopeful that he will be ready Monday night.

The Ravens could start Adam Terry, a third-year tackle who performed well when he filled in for Ogden in the final two games last season. Terry started at left tackle against Atlanta last Friday, and rookie Marshal Yanda stepped in at right tackle. Rookie Jared Gaither (Maryland) started the first three preseason games at left tackle.

Safety Ed Reed (thigh bruise), wide receiver Mark Clayton (ankle) and cornerback Samari Rolle (ankle) -- all of whom missed the preseason finale in Atlanta with injuries -- returned to practice yesterday.

? BROWNS: Charlie Frye will start at quarterback for Cleveland's season opener against the Steelers.

Frye, who started 13 games last year, entered training camp slightly behind Derek Anderson in the quarterback competition. But he outperformed Anderson during preseason games.

? DOLPHINS: Miami linebacker Joey Porter says his surgically repaired right knee feels better every day, and he's expected to play in the season opener against the Redskins.

? GIANTS: Seven-time Pro Bowl defensive end Michael Strahan reported to the team, six days before the opener.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.