Elvis Dumervil has told reporters the last two weeks that he'll be back "soon." He just hasn't specified exactly what "soon" means.
It looks like it could happen as early as Sunday against the Jaguars.
Head Coach John Harbaugh told reporters Monday that "it's not too premature" to think that Dumervil has a chance to play this week.
"You'll know [if there's a chance] if he practices, in all honestly," Harbaugh said. "He has to practice."
The veteran outside linebacker hasn't practiced for the last three weeks after suffering a setback in his recovery from an offseason "foot-area" procedure. The Ravens originally activated Dumervil from the physically unable to perform list Aug. 22, and he practiced for a few days before returning to the sidelines.
"It's really in Elvis' hands," Harbaugh said. "It's going to be kind of a feel thing for him. There's soundness there, from what I'm told. He feels it. It's just a matter of whether he feels the strength is there, and the explosion, and everything he needs to go out there and compete."
With Dumervil out, the Ravens have turned to second-year outside linebacker Za'Darius Smith and rookie Matthew Judon to get increased snaps in pass-rushing situations. Dumervil has been the Ravens' sack leader the last two seasons, and getting him back in the lineup could make a significant difference in that area.
In addition to Dumervil returning, the Ravens are also working to get running back Kenneth Dixon (knee) and offensive lineman John Urschel (shoulder) back on the field. Dixon hasn't practiced since the third preseason game and Urschel has been inactive the first two regular-season games.
Urschel was a full participant throughout practice last week, but the Ravens have opted to go with rookie Alex Lewis at left guard to start the season.
"We just have to keep working on getting healthy. We have a few guys that are trying to get back right now," Harbaugh said. "Very hopeful to get those guys back soon."
