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NFL

Ravens add depth to O-line with veteran Smith

OWINGS MILLS, Md. — The Baltimore Ravens signed former first-round pick Andre Smith on Wednesday, adding veteran depth along the offensive line.

Smith, 32, was the No. 6 overall pick of the 2009 draft by the Cincinnati Bengals. He started 98 games, playing for the Bengals, Minnesota Vikings and Arizona Cardinals.

The Ravens’ offensive line has been a strength of the team, paving the way for the most rushing yards by a team in a single season and allowing the fifth-fewest sacks (28) in the regular season. According to ESPN’s pass block win rate, the Ravens sustained their blocks through 2.5 seconds at a 69 percent rate, which ranked second best in the NFL behind the Green Bay Packers.

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The signing of Smith provides experienced insurance behind Pro Bowl left tackle Ronnie Stanley and second-year starting right tackle Orlando Brown Jr.

Smith started the first five games at left tackle for the Bengals this season, filling in for the injured Corry Glenn. He was waived by Cincinnati on Nov. 30.

To make room for Smith, the Ravens placed reserve offensive tackle Parker Ehinger (shoulder) on injured reserve.

Soccer

Champions League draw: City meet Real Madrid, Liverpool battle Atletico

The round of 16 in this season’s Champions League should be fascinating.

The draw for the knockout stage was held Monday in Nyon, Switzerland, and offered up several tantalizing fixtures that wouldn’t be out of place in the latter rounds of the competition.

The marquee matchup sees Pep Guardiola return to a familiar battle ground, as Premier League champions Manchester City will tangle with Real Madrid. Champions League holders Liverpool, meanwhile, also travel to the Spanish capital, as Jurgen Klopp’s side meets Atletico Madrid; the Reds will return to the Wanda Metropolitano after hoisting the trophy there in June.

English clubs were handed difficult tasks across the board, as Chelsea and Tottenham have dates with Bavarian behemoths Bayern Munich and Bundesliga leaders RB Leipzig, respectively.

Here’s the draw in full:

  • Borussia Dortmund vs. Paris Saint-Germain
  • Real Madrid vs. Manchester City
  • Atalanta vs. Valencia
  • Atletico Madrid vs. Liverpool
  • Chelsea vs. Bayern Munich
  • Lyon vs. Juventus
  • Tottenham vs. RB Leipzig
  • Napoli vs. Barcelona

The draw wasn’t short on narratives, as is so often the case.

There’s a reunion for Thomas Tuchel and Borussia Dortmund on the horizon, while Kostas Manolas, now with Napoli, will lock horns with Barcelona two years after his goal sent them packing on a memorable night for Roma.

The knockout stage is slated to begin Feb. 18.