OWINGS MILLS, Md. — Rookie quarterback Troy Smith will make his first NFL start Sunday when the Baltimore Ravens visit the Seattle Seahawks.
With Kyle Boller missing his second consecutive day of practice because of the lingering effects of a concussion — including headaches and sensitivity to light — Ravens coach Brian Billick confirmed Thursday that Smith will take Boller’s place.
“With Kyle, it would be problematic for him on Sunday, so, hopefully, he will be available to back up,” Billick said. “Missing two days of practice would make it tough. We’re certainly not going to put him at risk.”
Billick acknowledged that Smith, last year’s Heisman Trophy winner at Ohio State, may also start the season finale against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
“Concussions are very unpredictable,” Billick said.
Smith will be the third quarterback to start for the Ravens this season. Steve McNair started six of the first nine games, but struggled with injuries and ineffectiveness and was placed on injured reserve on Dec. 3.
Smith rushed for a touchdown in his NFL debut against Indianapolis on Dec. 9, and directed a game-tying drive in regulation in a 22-16 overtime loss to the Miami Dolphins on Sunday.
If Boller is unavailable to be the backup, the Ravens likely would promote undrafted rookie Cullen Finnerty from the practice squad. Wide receiver Mark Clayton is a potential emergency option.
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