Ngata Says He'll 'Definitely' Play
Defensive tackle Haloti Ngata isn't going to let an arm injury hold him out of the Ravens-Steelers rivalry.
Ngata went to the sidelines during the first half of Sunday's game against Green Bay with an elbow strain in his left arm. He returned to finish out the game.
Ngata was a limited practice participant on Wednesday, but told reporters he will "definitely" play on Sunday.
"It's had a couple days and it's healing so it feels alright right now," Ngata said.
"Yeah, it wasn't that bad. It wasn't bad enough to keep me out. … They just wrapped it up and I just went back out there and did what I could."
Ngata should have more support this game in the trenches …
Run-Stuffer Cody Returns, Spears Optimistic
The Ravens have been without two of their top run stuffers for the past two games: nose tackle Terrence Cody and defensive end Marcus Spears. They have a chance of getting both back this week.
Cody went down with a knee sprain in Week 3 against Houston. He practiced for the first time since then, in limited capacity, on Wednesday.
Cody got off to a solid start this season when he was finally healthy from a hip injury that limited his effectiveness last year.
Spears would also be another big addition for Baltimore's defensive line. He was limited in practice the past couple of weeks due to a knee injury that he's been taking his time coming back from.
Spears was a full practice participant Wednesday, and optimistic about his chances to return this week.
"I feel pretty good," he said. "I think the way we went about it was real smart. I can go out and play and be the guy that I am instead of hobbling along and not giving the team the best chance."
The Steelers aren't running the ball well this year (61 yards per game), but they still look to establish their physicality in the trenches. Spears, who has played Pittsburgh several times during his career, knows what to expect.
"We'll get some good practice in this week and I should be ready to go," Spears said. "This is a good one because this is my kind of dog fight."
Bynes Has Infected Finger
Ravens inside linebacker Josh Bynes has an infection in his finger, according to Head Coach John Harbaugh.
Bynes cut the finger a couple of weeks ago and went to the hospital Tuesday night because of it. He did not practice Wednesday.
"He got good news. It's good; it's clearing up," Harbaugh said.
If Bynes has trouble coming back, the Ravens may have the option of activating Jameel McClain. McClain returned to the field for the first time in 10 months and practiced fully.* *
Other News And Notes
Defensive end Chris Canty did not practice due to a thigh injury. That could be more about giving the veteran a day of rest than much of a concern. The Ravens did not report an injury after Sunday's game.
Linebacker Albert McClellan is still not practicing because of a shoulder ailment. It also held him out all last week.
Center/guard Ryan Jensen (foot) was limited along with cornerback Lardarius Webb (thigh), linebacker Courtney Upshaw (foot) and cornerback Chykie Brown (thigh). Wide receiver Brandon Stokley (thigh) practiced fully.
Steelers Rookies Ailing
Two of Pittsburgh's top draft picks are hurting.
Top draft pick, outside linebacker Jarvis Jones, sat out Wednesday's practice with an undisclosed head injury. The pass rusher made his first defensive impact last week when a pressure led to an interception.
Wide receiver Markus Wheaton, a speedster out of Oregon State taken in the third round, has been ruled out already because of a broken finger.
Tackle Marcus Gilbert (quad), defensive end Brett Keisel (abdomen), tight end Heath Miller (not injury related) and linebacker LaMarr Woodley (knee) were all limited.
