Jared Gaither's ascent to become Jonathan Ogden's successor at left tackle for the Ravens continues to have its share of bumps.

Gaither, who was picked up in the supplemental draft after losing his eligibility at Maryland as a sophomore, was penciled in as the starter when Ogden officially announced his retirement in June. When Gaither and Adam Terry both sustained injuries early in training camp, the Ravens scrambled to sign Oakland Raiders castoff Chad Slaughter.

Slaughter did reasonably well in his first start against the New England Patriots, his first live action since getting cut in training camp by the Raiders last year. Terry seems to be closer to getting back than Gaither, a player who has tested the patience of the new coaching staff at times with his lack of maturity.

It surfaced again today during the team's morning workout at McDaniel College.

The offensive line was already doing position drills, with Terry watching nearby, when Gaither walked out onto the field. He tried to say something to offensive line coach John Matsko, but the veteran assistant didn't want to hear any excuses, pointing out that Terry had been there earlier than Gaither to receive treatment, thus being able to get on the practice field with the team.

Matsko declined to comment after practice about the exchange. Gaither is still clearly in the Ravens plans as soon as he's healthy, but if Slaughter continues to get his conditioning back after sitting out last season, the seven-year veteran could likely be the team's starting left tackle for the first game of the regular season against Cincinnati.