The Ravens have activated running back Danny Woodhead from injured reserve to the 53-man roster, which is a good sign for his status for tomorrow's game in Green Bay, but not the final word.
Head Coach John Harbaugh said Friday that Woodhead could be activated and still not play.
"We have until Saturday to make [the roster] part of the decision, then really, we have until an hour and a half before the game to really determine whether he will be out there [or not]," Harbaugh said.
"We're ready if he goes, and we're ready if he doesn't go."
If Woodhead cannot play, the Ravens will continue to rely on Alex Collins and Javorius Allen. Terrance West (calf) could also be ready to play after a four-game absence.
Harbaugh and Ravens players are excited about the prospects of Woodhead returning, however. Safety Eric Weddle said Woodhead will be a "shot in the arm" that the offense needs.
Woodhead will immediately help the short passing game, as he'll turn checkdowns into more yardage and present matchup problems for linebackers and safeties. The Ravens have had trouble extending drives and picking up first downs. That's Woodhead's primary job.
The Ravens got a taste of what Woodhead will bring when he caught three passes for 33 yards (all first downs) on the first drive of the season in Cincinnati. The Ravens went 57 yards on 13 plays on that drive, and settled for a field goal when Woodhead crumpled to the turf with a hamstring injury.
Woodhead has had 10 weeks to heal that hamstring and get it ready for the final games of the regular season. He returned to practice as soon as he was eligible on Oct. 31, more than two weeks ago, but Harbaugh indicated that he wasn't a full participant.
"He went through most of everything we did," Harbaugh said Friday. "I thought he looked pretty good. It's just going to come down to the doctors and trainers making their decision."
The Ravens released tight end Gavin Escobar to make room for Woodhead on the roster.
