Oher Practices Despite Ankle Sprain
Starting right tackle Michael Oher was on the practice field Wednesday as a full participant after suffering an ankle injury that knocked him out of the season opener.
Oher, who has never missed a start in his five-year career, expressed optimism about playing Sunday against the Browns despite the severity of the injury.
"I work hard to be out there every Sunday for the team, but this is one of the worst sprains I've had," Oher said. "It's definitely hurting me pretty bad. I'm just getting a lot of treatment and trying to stay on top of it. Hopefully I can go Sunday."
Oher injured his ankle when right guard Marshal Yanda fell into him while blocking for a Ray Rice touchdown run. Head Coach John Harbaugh described the injury as "day-to-day, week-to-week," and reports have indicated that it will not sideline him for long.
While Oher said it's the worst sprain of his career, he also thought the injury could have been much worse.
"Looking at it on film, I definitely got let off the hook, got lucky, and I just thank the man above," Oher said.
Jacoby Jones Out For Browns Game
Jacoby Jones (knee) has already been ruled out for this week's game against Cleveland.
Jones will reportedly be sidelined for four to six weeks after getting run into by his own teammate while trying to field a punt against Denver.
With Jones out, the Ravens have taken steps to bolster the return game. They re-signed receiver Tandon Doss, who provides depth on offense and could take over as the starting punt returner. The Ravens also signed former Chiefs running back Shaun Draughn, who could take over as the kick returner.
Thompson Misses Practice, Mellette To IR
The Ravens had only four healthy receivers on the 53-man roster practicing Wednesday.
Deonte Thompson (foot) sat out of practice and rookie receiver Aaron Mellette (knee) was moved to injured reserve (IR). That left just Torrey Smith, Brandon Stokley, Marlon Brown, Tandon Doss and practice squad player Gerrard Sheppard.
Thompson is working his way back to the field after injuring his foot in the preseason opener.
"We're definitely getting closer," Thompson said. "I'm feeling better every day, working and trying to get out there."
Thompson is no longer wearing a walking boot and he told reporters that he's able to do some running and agility drills. He said that his foot was "a little sore" after running exercises, and he did not give a clear timetable for when he will be back to full strength.
"I hope it's any time soon," Thompson said. "I hope it's real soon."
Mellette was placed on IR after practice, ending his season before he even took a snap in the regular season.
A. Jones Returns, Pierce Limited
Fourth-year defensive lineman Arthur Jones returned to the practice field as a limited participant after being sidelined with a personal illness (reported viral infection near his heart) the last two weeks. Jones tweeted recently that he received "amazing news," and Harbaugh said the issue "cleared up."
The focus for Jones now is to get back into football shape after behind sidelined.
"He should be good, and we'll just have to see how ready he is to play this week," Harbaugh said. "That will obviously be the issue football-wise. We'll just see how ready he is to play."
The other limited participant was second-year running back Bernard Pierce (thigh). This is the first time Pierce has appeared on the injury report this year.
The only other player on the injury report was center Ryan Jensen, who did not practice. He looked destined for IR after going down with a broken foot in early training camp, but Harbaugh said this week that he's "not far out."
Mingo Cleared For Contact
The Browns got their first-round pick back on the practice field.
Outside linebacker Barkevious Mingo, the sixth-overall pick, was cleared to play after suffering a bruised lung during the preseason. He was a limited participant in practice and could make his NFL debut this weekend.
The other limited participants for the Browns were wide receiver Travis Benjamin (thigh) and cornerback Buster Skrine (shoulder). Guard Shawn Lauvao (ankle), defensive lineman Ahtyba Rubin (calf) and safety T.J. Ward (shoulder)all did not practice.
