B. Williams Returns to Practice, But Doubtful to Play
For the first time since suffering a foot injury in Week 2, defensive tackle Brandon Williams returned to practice.
Williams was a limited participant Friday, and he is officially listed as doubtful to play Sunday against the Chicago Bears.
Williams made headlines earlier in the week when he hinted that his return was coming "soon," but he didn't provide any more details when he met with reporters in the locker room. He only said that his recovery is "on schedule" and "right where it needs to be," and spoke vaguely about exactly when that would be.
"There is a goal," Williams said. "You'll just have to find out."
Reserve defensive tackle Carl Davis, who has started in Williams' absence the last two weeks, is also dealing with an injury. He left last week's game with a thigh injury, but returned to practice Friday as a limited participant and is officially listed as questionable.
Harbaugh said Davis would likely come down to a "game-time decision."
If Williams and Davis are both out, second-year lineman Willie Henry should see increased snaps again. He impressed with more playing time last week, and the Ravens are encouraged about his development.
Here is the full injury report.
J. Smith Dealing With Achilles Tendonitis
Top cornerback Jimmy Smith returned to practice Friday as he continues to deal with a nagging Achilles issue. The injury has been bothering him for a few weeks and he was limited to only seven snaps last week against the Raiders.
The Ravens have limited Smith to just two practices the last two weeks, and he is officially listed as questionable. Smith told reporters that he's dealing with Achilles tendonitis, and the issue has improved steadily throughout the week.
"It's calmed down a lot," he said. "I can go."
Regardless of whether Smith plays, the good news for the Ravens is that they have depth in the secondary. Rookie first-round pick Marlon Humphrey has played so well that the Ravens can afford to give Smith rest during games.
But even with a deep defensive backfield, Smith stressed that he wants to be on the field if he's able.
"If I can go, I'm going to go," he said. "If it's not holding up, whether we have someone back there, or not, I can only do what I can do."
Undrafted rookie cornerback Jaylen Hill* *could make his debut if Smith is out, as he was a limited participant in practice all week and is listed as questionable.
West, Skura Ruled Out
The only Ravens ruled out for this week are running back Terrance West (calf) and right guard Matt Skura (knee). Both players started last week and left the game with injuries.
With West out, the Ravens will turn to Javorius Allen and Alex Collins. Allen did the bulk of the work last week after West went down, but Collins has also brought a spark to the backfield since getting signed.
Rookie fifth-round pick Jermaine Eluemunor will likely step into the starting lineup for Skura, as the two of them had split reps over the previous weeks.
M. Williams Set to Return
Tight end Maxx Williams is in line to return after missing the last three games with an ankle injury.
He was a full participant in practice all week and is officially listed as questionable to play. Before getting hurt, Williams had started the first two games of the year.
The other players questionable to play are wide receivers Jeremy Maclin (shoulder) and Breshad Perriman (knee), and defensive back Anthony Levine (thigh). Maclin was limited in practice all week and Perriman was a full participant Thursday and Friday.
Rookie outside linebacker Tim Williams (thigh) is doubtful to play after missing the last two days of practice.
Bears Rule Out WR Wheaton
The Bears will have a short-handed receiving corps, as they ruled out former Steeler Markus Wheaton with a groin injury. He suffered the injury in Thursday's practice.
Chicago also declared linebacker John Timu (knee/ankle) out.
Defensive tackle Nick Kwiatoski (chest) and center Hroniss Grasu (hand) are both questionable to play.
