Pitta Cleared To Play
Tight end Dennis Pitta passed his baseline concussion tests, according to Head Coach John Harbaugh. He's listed as probable and expects to play.
"I haven't felt like I had a concussion at all," Pitta told reporters Friday. "I expected to be fine in my testing and I was. I'm excited to be out there Sunday."
Pitta said he's anticipating a full share against the Chargers.
He was injured on the Ravens' first series against the Pittsburgh Steelers when he took a hard hit after catching a third-down pass. It was the second time in as many weeks that Pitta left a game with what looked to be a head injury. He left against the Oakland Raiders, but returned later.
Pitta saw an independent neurologist this week and underwent an impact test as well, making sure his head can take a hit.
He said the concern of brain trauma from multiple concussions is "always in the back of your mind," but he's not thinking about it when he plays.
"It's part of the risk of playing football," Pitta said. "I've taken a couple big hits the last few weeks, and had they been worse I might be a little more concerned about it. But I've felt good all week and really had no issues.
"You can't play thinking of those things. You just have to do your job and play at a high level and at full speed. That's what I'm going to do."
DE McPhee Still Questionable, DT Cody Probable
Defensive end Pernell McPhee wasn't nearly as confident in his health status this week as compared to last when he told reporters he was 100 percent.
He still said he's closer to returning to the field now, and is listed as questionable on the final injury report.
McPhee has been dealing with knee and thigh injuries that have kept him out of the three games. He hasn't played in a game in over a month (Oct. 21 versus Houston).
"I feel better about my chances," McPhee told reporters.
"I feel like I could go out and compete. But it's all coach's decision. He's going to make the best decision. He knows where I'm at and I know where I'm at. If it boils down to it and I'm one of the guys that need to be out there Sunday, he knows the right decision to make."
Asked if he was 100 percent, McPhee said he won't be able to tell until he gets out on the field. He was limited all week in practice.
"I haven't been out there on the field scrapping with nobody," McPhee said. "Mentally I'm 100 percent. Physically, I don't know where I'm really at until I get out there and have some contact."
The defensive line may get back defensive tackle Terrence Cody, however.
Cody missed last week's game in Pittsburgh because swelling in an elbow injury did not subside. He was limited in practice throughout this week and is probable to play.
Secondary Is Short-Handed
Cornerback Jimmy Smith (abs) had already been ruled out.
Now cornerback Chris Johnson, who was Baltimore's third cornerback before suffering a hamstring injury in the first quarter of last Sunday's game, is doubtful.
The veteran free-agent signing did not practice at all this week.
That means Chykie Brown will likely be the Ravens' third cornerback and starter Corey Graham will move into the slot in three-wide formations. Rookie Asa Jackson could be activated if Johnson can't play.
The Ravens will have safety Ed Reed, who won his appeal of a one-game suspension.
Baltimore had a long list of other players probable to play: linebacker Brendon Ayanbadejo (shoulder), tight end Ed Dickson (neck), linebacker Dannell Ellerbe (toe/finger), safety James Ihedigbo (neck), wide receiver Jacoby Jones (ankle), defensive tackle Haloti Ngata (shoulder), safety Bernard Pollard (chest), linebacker Terrell Suggs (shoulder/ankle), linebacker Courtney Upshaw (shoulder) and guard Marshal Yanda (ankle).
Chargers Rule Out Three
San Diego ruled out three players on Friday.
Former Ravens tackle Jared Gaither (groin) has been placed on injured reserve. He had a good showing against his former team last year, holding Suggs without a sack.
First-round pick Larry English (calf) and wide receiver Eddie Royal (hamstring) are also out. Royal hasn't had a big season (16 catches for 134 yards and one touchdown), but is still a dangerous weapon.
Chargers guard Tyronne Green (hamstring) and tight end Dante Rosario (hamstring) are doubtful and starting defensive tackle and former Raven Aubrayo Franklin (knee) is questionable.
