Ravens rush linebacker Terrell Suggs traditionally doesn't dodge questions from reporters, but when it comes to his weight, he's a closed book.

The longest-tenured Raven didn't want to discuss what his weight ballooned to after months of inactivity following surgery to repair his torn left Achilles tendon. And during his news conference after Thursday's practice, he also wouldn't disclose what his playing weight is now, even as he looks noticeably leaner and he's drawn praise from coach John Harbaugh for being in excellent shape.

“I ain't going to tell you,” said Suggs, who is listed as 6 feet 3 and 265 pounds on the roster. “We lost a lot, we worked real hard and we're out here.”

Suggs' conditioning as he enters training camp has been a popular topic in recent years. But there was more focus on it this summer because he's playing on two surgically repaired Achilles tendons. The 33-year-old spent much of the summer at the team facility getting healthy and fit. He's also been forced to change his diet to make sure he keeps the weight off.

“I'm not a big fan of food, but when I do eat, I like to eat,” Suggs said. “I like my fried chicken, my pizza, my peaches and my gefilte fish. I had to cut all that out. I still eat the peaches, though, and a little bit of the fish, but that's about it.”

Suggs, who practiced for the first time in 11 months Monday, did a little bit more each day in practice. He won't play in the Ravens' second preseason game Saturday night in Indianapolis. However, Suggs said he would have “some interest” in getting into a preseason game. The most likely scenario would be playing a series or two in next week's third preseason game, against the Detroit Lions at M&T Bank Stadium.

Suggs acknowledged that being in good shape and being in football shape are different things, and he has a ways to go before he feels he's in football shape. Still, he made no attempt to diminish what it has meant to him to be back on the field with his teammates, many of whom have credited Suggs' presence with increasing the energy during the workouts.

“It feels good, man, because that's where I actually belong,” Suggs said. “I don't need to be in a bed with my foot up. I need to be on a football field, so it definitely felt really good to be back out here.”

Lewis in line to start: Asked this week which position he prefers, rookie offensive lineman Alex Lewis joked, “The one that gets me on the field.”

Lewis, who played mostly tackle at Nebraska, is being counted on to back up John Urschel at left guard. With Urschel out of practice this week with a bruise and not expected to play Saturday, Lewis has been lining up with the starting offense. That's where he'll likely be against the Colts.

“I'm getting more comfortable with it each day,” Lewis said. “I played a lot of tackle in college. I haven't played much tackle in the NFL. Right now, I'm working with the guard position and I'm enjoying it.”

Lewis, whose father, Bill, played seven years in the NFL as a center for three teams, said playing both positions will help his long-term development.

“You've got to be able to know two different positions, which is two different techniques on setting,” he said. “It's always going back to the fundamentals ... no matter what position you're at.”

A form of flattery? The first thing you notice about Ravens new defensive line coach Joe Cullen is his intensity. As he presides over drills, Cullen crouches and reacts to each movement by his linemen. During 11-on-11 segments of practice, Cullen sprints toward the defensive front after each play to cajole, criticize or commend one of his players.

The next thing you notice — or hear — is Cullen's voice, which is probably best described as a shriek.

“My voice changes real drastically after three days of camp,” Cullen said Wednesday.

Kicker Justin Tucker is known for impersonating former teammate Ray Lewis and actor Matthew McConaughey. He's added a Cullen impression to his repertoire. “Tuck has a pretty good impression, from what I hear,” Cullen said.

Cullen joked, “If they are not talking about you, there's something wrong.”

End zone: Rookie fourth-round running back Kenneth Dixon is emerging as a legitimate candidate to return kicks and punts. He said he didn't play special teams at Louisiana Tech and the last time he returned kicks was in high school. … Thursday's practice marked the end of the training camp phase, and was the last one fans were invited to attend. “The fans have been great,” Harbaugh said. … Nearly an hour after practice had ended, wide receiver Steve Smith Sr. was still on the field signing autographs for fans, posing for pictures and talking to members of the military.

jeff.zrebiec@baltsun.com

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Baltimore Sun reporter Don Markus contributed to this article.