Jeff Wolfson

Another scuffle involving Cousins

by Dan Kolko View Comments

Oniel Cousins has a knack for getting in training camp fights.

He got in a handful during his rookie season two years ago.

He got in a couple last year.

And this camp, the offensive tackle has been involved in at least three scuffles during practice.

"They might be coming after me," Cousins joked after this afternoon's session.

Does Cousins, who is taking over as the Ravens' first-string right tackle with Jared Gaither out with back spasms, feel the need to prove himself with his physical nature?

"In life in general, and in football, every day I come out here and I always feel like I have something to prove," Cousins said. "I wake up every day and appreciate every day of my life. I feel like I have something to prove every day.

"The chip is always on my shoulder."

Today's skirmish (how many synonyms for the word "fight" can I use in one entry?) came towards the end of a long practice in the Westminster heat. Cousins and outside linebacker Edgar Jones got tangled up after a play, and some pushing and shoving ensued.

Jones pulled Cousins' helmet off his head, and the offensive tackle responded by going after Jones with a right hook.

Defensive tackle Kelly Talavou jumped into the fray, as did Ray Rice, which couldn't have thrilled head coach John Harbaugh or offensive coordinator Cam Cameron.

I have a slight hunch that they don't want their Pro Bowl running back getting involved in any fisticuffs.

Cousins attributed the fight to the standard training camp factors: competition, the physical nature of the practice, and the heat.

"It's just a little something we got into," he said. "It's part of practice, but by the end of the day, we're friends again. It's hot out there and...sometimes you need that excitement."

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