When linebacker [Ray Lewis hyper-extended his right elbow in the Ravens' 17-13 win over the Carolina Panthers last weekend, it sent ripples throughout fan message boards.
Head coach **John Harbaugh** was quick to dismiss any seriousness to the injury, telling reporters Lewis "should be OK" after the game.
The 10-time Pro Bowler was back on the practice field Monday and did not seem to be feeling any ill effects.
And with the return of several other key veterans to practice, the Ravens seem to be getting healthy heading up to their regular-season opener against the Kansas City Chiefs on Sept. 13.
But first, the Ravens must take on the Atlanta Falcons this Thursday, where fans could see their first preseason action from linebacker/defensive end [Terrell Suggs.
Suggs practiced Monday after missing all but one day in August with a heel injury.
"We just have to see how it responds to whatever work he does today," said Harbaugh before practice. "But if we can get him out there in the game, we will. If we need to be safe with it, we won't. The most important thing is Kansas City, but we want him to be the best player he can be at Kansas City."
That is good news for the player who signed a six-year, $63 million contract this offseason and who is one of the most disruptive defenders in the NFL.
The Ravens also welcomed linebacker [Dannell Ellerbe (knee), nose tackle **Kelly Gregg** (shoulder), guard **Chris Chester** (calf) and offensive tackle **Stefan Rodgers** (foot) back to the field.
The news surrounding receiver **Mark Clayton** was not as positive, however.
Harbaugh said that Clayton's chances of playing in Atlanta are "less possible," as he is still recovering from an injured hamstring that occurred on Aug. 2.
Clayton, who expressed surprise that he has healed this quickly, did practice and has been upbeat about the prospect of rejoining his teammates.
"I just thank God to come as far along as I have. It's like night and day," Clayton said. "It's tough when you know what we're capable of and the potential we have in the building, and you're not a part of it. I just have to continue to work and continue to get better every day. I'm excited to get back out there and mix it up with them."
The five-year veteran actually warmed up before the Panthers contest, but he was made inactive prior to kickoff.
The Ravens are also playing it safe with offensive tackles **Jared Gaither** (shoulder) and **Oniel Cousins** (foot), and cornerback **Chris Carr** (thigh). All three watched practice in shorts or sweatpants from the sideline, while tight end **L.J. Smith** (hamstring) remained in the training facility.
Meanwhile, running back **Matt Lawrence** left the session field early for undisclosed reasons.
