WESTMINSTER, Md. — The Baltimore Ravens addressed a dire need for depth at offensive tackle by signing former Oakland Raiders lineman Chad Slaughter to a one-year contract for the veteran minimum salary.

Because starting tackles Jared Gaither and Adam Terry are sidelined with sprained ankles and rookie backup Oniel Cousins limped off the field with a right knee injury, Slaughter found himself lining up with the first offense at left tackle this morning.

A few days ago, Slaughter was pouring concrete at home after being out of work for the entire 2007 season. Now, he's an NFL starter again.

"My head is still spinning 100 miles per hour," he said. "I'm just here to help any way I can. I felt like a rookie actually. They gave me the playbook today, and the next thing you know I was out there with the first team."

The Ravens also tried to sign former Chiefs lineman John Welbourn, who tried out Wednesday along with former Browns tackle Kelly Butler. However, contract negotiations broke off when Welbourn wanted guaranteed money and the Ravens offered him a veteran minimum contract.

"John would have been a good fit for us, but it wasn't a good fit for him right now," Ravens coach John Harbaugh said.

Harbaugh was complimentary of Slaughter's work. The 6-foot-8, 340-pounder has started six out of 43 NFL career games.

"He looked pretty good," Harbaugh said. "He must have been bending his legs. He moved around pretty well. We're fortunate to have him in here."

The Ravens are still looking to sign another offensive lineman after cutting undrafted rookie tackle Sean Dumford to make room for Slaughter.

"You've got to find the right guy in the right circumstances to bring him in," Harbaugh said.

Meanwhile, wide receiver Derrick Mason (right knee) and linebacker Edgar Jones (right leg) returned to practice.

Not practicing: nose guard Kelly Gregg (left knee); wide receivers Demetrius Williams (left Achilles' tendon) and Patrick Carter (dislocated shoulder); tight ends Daniel Wilcox (offseason toe surgery) and Aaron Walker (knee); defensive end Dan Cody (right foot); defensive tackles Haloti Ngata (sprained medial collateral ligament) and J'Vonne Parker (undisclosed); fullback Justin Green (knee); running backs P.J. Daniels (cramps), Allen Patrick (mild concussion) and Cory Ross (toe, arm); safety Ed Reed (shoulder); cornerback David Pittman (foot) and offensive tackle Joe Reitz (shoulder).

Offensive guard Adrien Clarke limped off the field and didn't return.

Running back Willis McGahee (left knee) was limited, with rookie Ray Rice taking most of the carries again. McGahee had his knee wrapped in ice.

Quarterback Kyle Boller left the morning practice early without wearing his right cleat.

Cornerback Samari Rolle (bereavement) and linebacker Terrell Suggs (contract dispute) remain absent.

"We've got a tentative timetable, but I'd rather leave that to Samari right now," Harbaugh said.