Steve McNair threw without any difficulty on Wednesday during the Ravens' practice. "I think today was a key," McNair said in his first interview since being sandwiched by two Carolina Panthers defenders. "It's fair to say I'm happy and ready to go."

According to Brian Billick, Steve McNair remains on course to start against the Saints in New Orleans. McNair participated in his first practice since suffering a concussion and a sprained neck nine days ago, though it's unknown how much he worked.

Baltimore Ravens coach Brian Billick removed offensive coordinator Jim Fassel from his position. Billick, a close friend of the former New York Giants coach, announced the change at a news conference at the Ravens' headquarters, calling it "one of the most difficult decisions I've had to make." "I have an obligation to this organization to do what I think is in the best interests of this team, regardless of how difficult those decisions are," Billick added.

Steve McNair arrived at the Ravens' practice facility on Monday still feeling 'groggy' from the concussion and neck injury he suffered against the Panthers. Baltimore is off this week with a bye, but when they take the field again, Brian Billick declared that it will be McNair and not Kyle Boller taking the snaps. "Steve is our starting quarterback," Billick said. "We feel fortunate to have two good quarterbacks. We think Kyle Boller is an excellent quarterback. But Steve is clearly the starting quarterback, and we're all relieved that it doesn't look like this will have any lingering effects."

Steve McNair suffered a concussion and neck sprain in the first quarter of the Ravens' contest versus the Panthers. McNair was injured when sacked by Michael Rucker and Chris Draft.

The Baltimore Ravens' team plane made an unscheduled landing early Oct. 10 in Pittsburgh so cornerback Corey Ivy could go to a hospital to treat his kidney injury. Ivy was expected to stay at the hospital at least through the day because of his kidney tear, team spokesman Chad Steele said. The injury is not life-threatening, Steele said. Ivy was hurt in Monday night's game at Denver. When he was flying home with the team, he was in so much discomfort the plane landed about 4 a.m. so he and team doctor Andrew M. Tucker could go to the hospital. The plane resumed its trip to Baltimore with the rest of the team, landing there about 5:45 a.m.

Ravens kickoff returner B.J. Sams was charged with driving under the influence, his second DUI arrest in 14 months that could mean a four-game suspension. Sams was stopped shortly before 2 a.m. Tuesday on the outer loop of the Baltimore Beltway, according to Sgt. Kimberly Smith. His SUV reportedly swerved and nearly hit a vehicle, police said. When a trooper pulled Sams over, the officer smelled alcohol. Police would not say if he took a breath test.

Indianapolis and Baltimore needed last-minute scores to keep their unbeaten seasons going on Sunday. Chicago had a much easier time staying undefeated.