J. Smith, Graham Return To Practice
The Ravens got two of their top three cornerbacks back on the practice field Friday.
Jimmy Smith (thigh) and Corey Graham (calf) both practiced as limited participants after sitting out Thursday. Smith also missed practice on Wednesday.
They are both officially listed as questionable on the final injury report, but Graham told reporters that he expects to play against the Cincinnati Bengals.
"I feel great," Graham said. "I was able to go out there and run around, and I'm coming along good and I should be ready to go."* *
Smith did not speak with the media in the locker room Friday.
If Smith or Graham is unable to play, then Chykie Brown would serve as the No. 3 corner when the Ravens work out of the nickel package. Brown does have starting experience from last year when the Ravens dealt with injuries.
"I feel good about whoever we put out there," Defensive Coordinator Dean Pees said. "I'm confident in whoever we put out there."
In addition to Smith and Graham battling injuries, starting safety James Ihedigbo (toe) also appeared on the injury report Friday for the first time this week. He was limited in practice Friday and is listed as questionable.
With all the injuries in the secondary, second-year cornerback Asa Jackson will provide depth after getting moved to the active roster Friday when the team placed Kelechi Osemele on injured reserve. Jackson was suspended for the first eight games of the season.
"Asa looked good," Head Coach John Harbaugh said. "It looked like he was in shape. Like always, [he was] working the little nuances of the game and stuff like that. After a few weeks off, those are things in terms of knocking the rust off. But I thought he was surprisingly sharp, and he looked good."
Suggs Probable, D. Smith 'Ready To Roll'
Starting outside linebacker Terrell Suggs (foot) and middle linebacker Daryl Smith (thigh) both landed on the injury report and had to miss practice time. After sitting out Thursday, they returned to action on Friday and Smith was optimistic about playing Sunday.
"It feels good and I'm looking forward to Sunday," Smith said. "A couple days of rest and rehab and I should be ready to ride."
Suggs did not talk with reporters, but he is listed as probable. If he were to sit out, Elvis Dumervil and Courtney Upshaw would likely start.
Smith has started every game at middle linebacker this year and leads the Ravens with 71 tackles. If he is unable to play, then Jameel McClain and Josh Bynes would likely start at inside linebacker.
Stokley Listed As Questionable, M. Brown Probable
Wide receiver Brandon Stokley (thigh) has not played since Week 3, and he is questionable for this week's game.
The veteran receiver did not practice Wednesday or Thursday, and returned as a limited participant Friday.
Rookie wide receiver Marlon Brown (finger) was a full participant Thursday and Friday and is listed as probable.
LB Mauluga Ruled Out
The Bengals are also dealing with injuries of their own, as starting linebacker Rey Maualuga (knee) has been ruled out. Reserve defensive tackle Devon Still (elbow) has also been ruled out this week.
With Maualuga out, Vincent Rey is expected to get the start at middle linebacker.
The Bengals defensive line took a huge hit when nose tackle Geno Atkins suffered a torn ACL in last week's game and is out for the season.
The other injuries for the Bengals are tight end Jermaine Gresham (groin) and running back Giovani Bernard (ribs), who are both questionable. Guard Kevin Zeitler (hamstring) is probable and linebacker Mike Boley (hamstring) is doubtful.
