The Ravens had an encouraging sign Tuesday as they took the practice field with rookies, quarterbacks and players returning from injury.
Running back Bernard Pierce (shoulder) and offensive lineman Jah Reid (calf) were both back at work after being limited during the offseason practices.
"They both looked fine; they have no problems," Head Coach John Harbaugh said Tuesday. "There are some full-speed-type drills out there, not contact, but the speed of it, and they had no problems."
Pierce is returning from offseason shoulder surgery and Reid's had a calf issue that kept him out of offseason practices. Pierce was a limited participant during practices in organized team activities and minicamp, and he expected to be ready for the start of training camp.
Having Pierce full-go is critical because of the uncertainty regarding a potential suspension for starting running back Ray Rice. The NFL has yet to rule on Rice's punishment, but Pierce would likely go into the season as the top back if Rice is suspended. The other backs on the roster are rookie Lorenzo Taliaferro and free-agent signing Justin Forsett.
Tuesday's practice was a lighter routine than what the Ravens will go through later in training camp, as the team was in shorts and practicing without contract. The Ravens will hold full- team practices Thursday and Friday before the first day of full contact on Saturday.
"We'll work them through the first two days," Harbaugh said. "Thursday and Friday are both full speed, but they're not full contact, so that'll be another chance for them to take the next step. I don't anticipate any problems."
The one lingering injury concern for the Ravens is defensive tackle Terrence Cody, who was placed on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list as he continues to recover from offseason hip surgery. He also did not practice at all during the offseason program.
Harbaugh did not provide a timetable for Cody's return, but expressed optimism for the fifth-year defender when he does get back on the field.
"He's coming along," Harbaugh said. "He's doing a good job. He's just not 100 percent ready to go yet, but [he is] working hard and very serious about what he's doing. [I am] real happy with him. He's very determined. He thinks with that hip being healthy that he's going to be able to show what he can do for the first time in his career. I'm hoping he's right. I'd like to see his best."
