CB Smith Sits Out
Ravens cornerback Jimmy Smith (thigh) sat out Wednesday's practice as the Ravens began their preparations for the Cincinnati Bengals.
Smith suffered the injury in Sunday's loss to the Cleveland Browns and left the game in the second half. Head Coach John Harbaugh indicated earlier this week that the injury was not serious, but that the Ravens would monitor Smith's progress to determine whether he would be able to play Sunday.
"He'll keep working on that throughout the course of the week, and we'll see how that develops," Harbaugh said.
In addition to Smith's absence, linebacker Daryl Smith (thigh), wide receiver Brandon Stokley (thigh) and guard Kelechi Osemele (back) also did not practice.
Stokley has dealt with the injury for much of the season and has not played in a game since Week 3. Smith has started every game at middle linebacker this season and he played every defensive snap against the Browns. Osemele was officially ruled out as Harbaugh said earlier this week that he is headed to injured reserve.
The only other player listed on the injury report was wide receiver Marlon Brown (finger), who was a limited participant.
Lewis-Moore Has First NFL Practice
Rookie defensive lineman Kapron Lewis-Moore took the practice field Wednesday for his first time in the NFL.
The sixth-round pick has spent the entire season and all of training camp on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list after tearing his ACL in the final game of his college career. He is now eligible to practice for three weeks before the Ravens decide whether to place him on the active roster or place him on season ending injured reserve.
"We'll see how he holds up," Harbaugh said. "He looks good physically, and we'll have three weeks then to make a determination about whether he will go on the active roster."
If the Ravens decide to eventually move Lewis-Moore to the 53-man squad, he would provide some additional depth along the defensive front.
CB Jackson Returns To Practice
Second-year cornerback Asa Jackson was back on the practice field Wednesday after spending the first eight weeks of the season under suspension. During the suspension, Jackson trained on his own away from the team facility. He reported back to Baltimore this week.
"I really appreciate the opportunity that they're giving me to come back and I'm just overjoyed to be here," Jackson said.
Jackson could return to the field on Sunday if the Ravens decide to place him on the active roster. The team currently has four cornerbacks on the 53-man squad, and Smith is dealing with the thigh* *injury.
Pitta 'Closer Than Ever'
Tight end Dennis Pitta has still yet to practice this season after being placed on Injured Reserve – Designated to Return, but Harbaugh said that he is nearing a return.
Recent reports have indicated that he may be able to return to the field this month, and Harbaugh did not rule that out as a possibility.
"We are getting close to that date," Harbaugh said. "I'm interested to hear when he can start practicing again. I've been asking that question. [I] haven't gotten a yes yet. He's closer than ever, obviously, and I have my fingers crossed, just like everybody else does."
Three Bengals Sit Out Practice
The Bengals had three players sit out practice on Wednesday.
Linebacker Rey Maualuga (knee), defensive tackle Devon Still (elbow) and offensive tackle Andrew Whitworth (non-injury related) did not practice.
Running back Giovani Bernard (ribs), tight end Jermaine Gresham (groin), guard Kevin Zeitler (hamstring) and linebacker Mike Boley (hamstring) were all limited participants. Bernard's status was a question coming into the week after he suffered a rib injury in Cincinnati's game last Thursday, but he is expected to be ready for Sunday.
The other significant injury news for the Bengals was that they recently placed All-Pro defensive tackle Geno Atkins on injured reserve with a torn ACL.
