Even as the Ravens' top returning receiver, Kamar Aiken doesn't take much for granted.
It's understandable, given the fact that it took three years and being cut by six NFL teams for Aiken to gain a foothold on his career in Baltimore.
So while Aiken is a primary option for Joe Flacco at this point in training camp, the 27-year-old doesn't show the kind of bravado you'd expect from a No. 1 receiver.
"You always have something to prove," Aiken said after practice Wednesday. "You're playing for next year, you're playing for another contract, another year to play this game. I take every year the same way. This year makes me come back next year to have the opportunity to play again."
The Ravens are waiting on potential Hall-of-Famer Steve Smith Sr. and 2015 first-round pick Breshad Perriman to return from injuries. In the meantime, Aiken is becoming all the more entrenched as a player the team can count on.
"Kamar Aiken just continues to prove himself," coach John Harbaugh said. "...He's a guy that gets the most out of every ounce of his ability. And that's not to take away and say he's not talented, because he is talented. His gifts are strength, and then he's got all the intangible gifts of toughness. Toughness is a talent. Persistence is a talent. Overcoming adversity is a talent."
In that way, Aiken is extremely talented.
After spending most of his first three NFL seasons on practices squads in Buffalo, Chicago, New England and Baltimore _ he was activated for a few games with the Bills and Patriots _ Aiken finally got on the field more consistently in 2014 with the Ravens, finishing with 24 catches for 267 yards and three touchdowns.
Aiken's chance to play regularly came last season when Perriman was hurt early in training camp and subsequently put on injured reserve. Aiken became Flacco's top target after Smith tore his Achilles heel in Week 8 and was lost for the season. Aiken finished with 75 catches for 944 yards and five touchdowns.
"I wouldn't say I took them (opposing defenses) by surprise," he said. "If they paid attention and watched film, I'm sure they would have gave me some type of respect. It'll probably be a little different this year because I have more tape out there, but I'm looking forward to it, I'll take the challenge."
Aiken has heard many question whether the Ravens have enough playmakers. He takes that as a challenge, too.
"The guy plays strong to the ball," Harbaugh said. "He runs great routes, he's a great blocker, and just made himself into a really good football player."
