WESTMINSTER, Md. -- The Baltimore Ravens started training camp Monday without their most productive wide receiver and their first-round draft pick.
Two-time Pro Bowl wide receiver Derrick Mason is still contemplating whether to follow through on his plans to retire, and rookie offensive tackle Michael Oher has yet to agree to terms on his first NFL contract.
Ravens coach John Harbaugh said he hasn't spoken with Mason since last week.
"I'm sure it's pretty much the same, and we'll be seeing what happens in the next few days," Harbaugh said.
The Ravens could use Mason, especially after veteran wide receiver Drew Bennett announced his retirement Sunday night. Bennett signed a one-year contract Friday, but he decided to quit after his arthritic knee flared up during his tryout.
"His knee just didn't calm down, and he felt like this is going to be a problem now, and forever really, because it's arthritic," Harbaugh said. "He didn't feel like he could get through a practice, let alone a season at this level."
The Ravens plan to sign an experienced wide receiver, perhaps as soon as this week, Harbaugh said.
As for Oher, the Ravens remain in negotiations with his agent, Jimmy Sexton. Team officials don't seem particularly concerned about the pace or tenor of the talks.
"Not too many first-round picks have signed yet, so a lot of that hinges on how that all slots out," Harbaugh said. "The agent wants to make sure he does the right thing by Michael, and we want to make sure we do the right thing by Michael, too. We want to get the best contract we can for him as soon as we can. It should happen pretty soon."
In other news, the Ravens cut tight end Quinn Sypniewski with a waived-injury designation. Sypniewski suffered a major knee injury a year ago, experienced complications from his initial surgery and underwent a follow-up procedure.
The Ravens also cut offensive guard Brian Johnson, who was on their practice squad last season, and signed wide receiver Biren Ealy, who played in four games with the Tennessee Titans in 2007 and recently was released by the New Orleans Saints.
Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press