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Ed Dickson will be out of practice for a little while, but that doesn't mean he's sedentary.
The Ravens tight end is still working after suffering a sprained right shoulder while scoring a touchdown in Thursday's preseason opener in Atlanta, and is determined to return stronger.
"If I can't move my arms, I'm constantly working on my footwork," Dickson said. "My footwork will be excellent by the time I get back. I'm going to work my butt off and get better than I was before."
An MRI did not reveal any structural damage, according to The Baltimore Sun. He is expected to return in time for the regular-season opener against the Bengals on Sept. 10.
Dickson said the shoulder was a little sore. He had it in a sling as he watched Saturday's practice.
"It's tough," he said. "I've caught that pass probably 100 times. You land a certain way and you get your arm popped out. It'll be alright."
Dickson said doctors told him that the more rehabilitation he has, the quicker his shoulder will heal. He lifted weights Saturday to try to strengthen the muscles around his shoulder.
Meanwhile, the Ravens continued practice without their top two tight ends, who are primed to be major parts of the offense this season. Dennis Pitta broke his hand on July 30, and is also undergoing rehab and watching practice from the sideline.
"It's a little thing that's going around," Dickson said. "I don't like missing any days when I can get work in, but I'm glad I still have time before that opener."
The Ravens used veteran tight end Billy Bajema, Davon Drew and rookie free agent Matt Balasavage in Saturday's practice. Head Coach John Harbaugh didn't say the team would necessarily sign another tight end.
"It's not just needing a guy, it's also guys being available that you think can play, and if they can stay healthy," Harbaugh said. "There is no point in bringing a guy in and gets hurt."
Defensive end Ryan McBean is another injury the team has on its plate following Thursday's game. Harbaugh said immediately after the contest that it was possible that McBean broke his ankle.
The Baltimore Sun reports that it is indeed a fracture dislocation that will require surgery.
McBean, who was already slated to miss the first three games due to an NFL suspension, will reportedly visit Dr. Robert Anderson in Charlotte, N.C. on Monday for further evaluation. It's the same doctor who operated on Terrell Suggs' Achilles tendon.
