Marshal Yanda has passed his physical, clearing the way for the six-time Pro Bowler to practice for the first time this offseason.
Yanda is not practicing Saturday morning, but has been removed from the Ravens' physically unable to perform (PUP) list.
"That's a huge plus for us; I'm excited about that," Head Coach John Harbaugh said.
Harbaugh said Yanda is not expected to play in Thursday's preseason game against the Los Angeles Rams. Yanda is right on schedule, and the Ravens will have a two-week process of gradually breaking him back into action.
The 12-year veteran missed nearly all last season after fracturing his ankle in Week 2. However, it was offseason shoulder surgery that sidelined him for the start of training camp.
From a technique standpoint, there's no harm done by Yanda missing time this summer. But he still needs to knock off the rust and get into game shape before the start of the regular season. He'll have plenty of time to do so with still more than a month until the Ravens host the Buffalo Bills on Sept. 9.
With Yanda out, the Ravens have used James Hurst at right guard even though Hurst is a strong candidate for either the starting right tackle or left guard spot. Hurst has been coaching up rookie right tackle Orlando Brown Jr.
Once Yanda is back on the field, Hurst can begin taking more reps elsewhere and Alex Lewis could see more opportunities at center, where he's pushing Matt Skura for the starting job.
Baltimore also got more good injury news Saturday morning as running back Kenneth Dixon, outside linebacker Tyus Bowser and third-round tight end Mark Andrews returned to the practice field. Andrews had been out since the first week of practice and Dixon missed about a week.
Sixth-round offensive tackle Greg Senat (lower leg) also passed his physical, came off the PUP list and was on the practice field. His return will help bolster Baltimore's offensive line depth after the unit surrendered eight sacks in its preseason debut. Undrafted rookie guard Randin Crecelius started at left tackle in the Hall of Fame game.
