Baltimore Ravens running back Jamal Lewis plans on going for another NFL rushing title, despite a looming November trial date in Atlanta on drug charges.

Lewis ran for 2,066 yards last season, the second-highest total in league history. He set several records along the way, including a 295-yard rushing effort against the Cleveland Browns that shattered the NFL single-game mark.

His trial is set to start one day after the Ravens play in Philadelphia and six days before a meeting with the Browns, against whom Lewis ran for a whopping 500 yards in two games last year.

Lewis said he doesn’t expect to miss any playing time because of the trial, and was relieved to know that his time in court will happen this year. Charged with conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute cocaine and using a cell phone in violation of federal law, he has steadfastly maintained his innocence.

“I wanted it to happen sooner than later. For me, I just want to get it out of the way,” Lewis said. “It’s set for November, and that’s when we have to handle it. I have a long season ahead of me and we will handle it as it comes along. That is the only thing we can really do.”

He gained only 14 yards on six carries Thursday night in Baltimore’s preseason opener against the Atlanta Falcons, shortly after learning that his drug conspiracy trial is scheduled to begin Nov. 1. He insisted that his slow start had nothing to do with his pending court case.

Bucs-Bengals

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ preseason opener scheduled for Saturday night against the Cincinnati Bengals was postponed because of Hurricane Charley. The game may be rescheduled for Monday.

Steelers

Pittsburgh Steelers backup quarterback Charlie Batch underwent season-ending knee surgery and was placed on injured reserve.

The Steelers signed quarterback Kurt Kittner to replace Batch on the roster.

Kittner, a third-year veteran from Illinois who was cut last week by the New England Patriots, spent the last two seasons with the Atlanta Falcons. He completed 44 of 114 passes for 391 yards and two touchdowns with six interceptions last season, starting four games last year and playing in seven.

Bills

Cornerback Kevin Thomas cracked a bone in his left hand and is expected to miss the Buffalo Bills’ preseason opener against Denver on Sunday.

Coach Mike Mularkey said Friday that he doesn’t expect Thomas to be out for an extended period. Thomas was hurt in practice Thursday.

Thomas is a two-year veteran competing with Terrence McGee for the team’s third cornerback job.

McGee returned to practice Friday after missing two days with a hamstring injury.

Starting right tackle Mike Williams worked out on a stationary bike, but missed his fifth straight practice since spraining the arch in his right foot. Mularkey expects Williams back soon, but added it’s unlikely he’ll play Sunday.

Packers

Quarterback Craig Nall, competing for the No. 3 job, has a strained right hamstring and won’t play in the Packers’ preseason opener against Seattle on Monday.

Also ruled out are defensive ends Chukie Nwokorie (hamstring) and Ja’Dae McGuire (abdomen) and rookie defensive tackle Donnell Washington (arch). Linebacker Tyreo Harrison (ankle) is doubtful.

Meanwhile, Pro Bowl halfback Ahman Green returned to practice Friday and could play Monday. Green was sidelined for two days with a sore left foot.