Troy Smith has been the Ravens' primary backup for the past two seasons, but the former Heisman Trophy winner isn't guaranteed that spot this season according to Jamison Hensley of the Baltimore Sun.

Smith and John Beck will be battling all summer to become the No. 2 quarterback behind Joe Flacco.

"John and Troy know they’re competing," offensive coordinator Cam Cameron said. "They’re good friends. They’re workers. That’s the way it is. I’m looking forward to training camp."

“I think it’s a tremendous situation for both of us, having an understanding that competition is going to get us – everybody on the field – to be their best," Smith said. "John is one of my great friends, and Joe is a great friend of mine, too. We have an understanding. We know what our niche is here, and everybody is fitting in, having fun.”

This news is important for GMs that participate in fantasy leagues of 12-14+. Depth is always a concern especially if you have Flacco as your #1 QB and choose to build up other positions.

After twice reaching outside the organization to enhance their receiving corps, the Ravens secured one of their own Wednesday night: two-time Pro Bowl pick Derrick Mason.

Mason, an unrestricted free agent, agreed to a two-year contract with the team that he joined in 2005.

Mason's future with the Ravens appeared unclear after the team obtained Donte' Stallworth in free agency and Anquan Boldin in a trade with the Arizona Cardinals. Mason hinted after the 2009 season that he might retire, and there also was a chance that he would sign with another team.

But now Mason, 36, is set to end his career in Baltimore, and his return assures third-year quarterback Joe Flacco a familiar target to go with Stallworth and Boldin.

"This is outstanding, just great news for the Ravens," Ravens coach John Harbaugh said of Mason's return. "Our coaches are happy. Derrick's teammates are happy, and you know Joe is smiling. ... We would have lost something special if Derrick had gone to another team. We have gotten better in the last couple of days."

The hip injury that Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco suffered against the Raiders in Baltimore's regular-season finale was so bad that he could not sit during any of the flight back from Oakland, according to a league source.

The hip caused Flacco so many problems the next week that, in the days leading up to the wild-card game against the Patriots, there were some Ravens players who wondered if their quarterback would be able to play at New England, as Flacco's leg had filled with fluid and had three inches of swelling.

Flacco was better this week before Saturday night's divisional playoff game at Indianapolis, but he still was not fully recovered.

Ravens WR Derrick Mason (hand probable) took full reps Friday. Mason will start this weekend against the Colts. Mason doesn't care about putting up stats so long as the Ravens win, but owners weren't happy with last week's 1 catch for 8 yards. Expect more than 4 completions from Joe Flacco this week and expect better numbers for Mason.

Ravens TE Todd Heap (back probable) took reps Friday and is expected to start as usual this week. Heap had no receptions last week, but Joe Flacco only threw 10 times and completed 4 passes.

Ravens QB Joe Flacco is not on the injury report this week despite lots of talk about nagging injuries slowing him down. Flacco was 4/10 last week for 34 yards and a pick.

Ravens WR Derrick Mason (hand) took reps Thursday. Mason will be fine to start this weekend. Mason's value is highly dependent on Joe Flacco completing more than 4 passes. The Ravens should be faced with more passing situations against the Colts.

In a surprising development given how quarterback Joe Flacco has been hobbling at practice due to a hip contusion, the Baltimore Ravens didn’t list him on their official injury report that they filed Wednesday.

Removing him from the injury report after having him on their last week can be interpreted as a strong indication that they are absolutely certain he’ll play and be virtually 100 percent for Saturday night’s AFC divisional playoff game against the Indianapolis Colts.

It’s also entirely possible that they wished to diffuse concern and attention about Flacco.

Flacco emphasized that his hip isn’t affecting him anymore, expressing confidence that he’ll be able to deliver the football normally against the Colts.

“I feel great this week,” he said. “I’m moving around really good. There’s nothing really to it.”

Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco looked stiff and gimpy during the brief portion of practice open to the media today, but he was participating fully in warm-ups and practicing hand offs. Flacco, who is dealing with a hip contusion, was joking and laughing with teammates, but a slight hitch in his stride was clearly noticeable.

Tight end Todd Heap, who was suffering from back spasms after the Ravens 33-14 playoff victory over the Patriots, was dressed for practice and appeared to be fully participating. He jogged several routes and caught several balls during warm-ups with the rest of the Baltimore tight ends.

The Ravens practiced in sweats and jerseys today, without shoulder pads or helmets.

A day after the Ravens' jubilant 33-14 win, the persistent inquiries about QB Joe Flacco's hip-quadriceps injury finally struck a nerve with the Ravens' head coach.

"He is very much healthy enough to play and to play well," John Harbaugh said before taking an ornery attitude. "The more you guys [the media] want to make of the injury situation, that's great. Make it really dire. He's really in bad shape."

Flacco's health status has been a series of mixed messages.

He favors his right leg walking onto the field, but he takes nearly every snap in practice. He doesn't always step into his throws these days, but he will scramble downfield to convert a critical first down.

From Harbaugh to Flacco to offensive coordinator Cam Cameron, the Ravens say the injury isn't limiting his play. But here's the bottom line: Flacco has produced the fewest passing yards of his career in the past two games.