T. Smith Probable To Play
Torrey Smith's media slam turned out to be warranted.
Smith is listed as probable to play against the Jacksonville Jaguars this Sunday – not doubtful as the initial reports indicated.
Smith sat out Wednesday and Thursday, but was a full practice participant on Friday. Head Coach John Harbaugh said Smith will ultimately be a game-time decision.
Smith is nursing a sprained knee injury suffered in Week 13 against the Chargers. He was active last week against the Dolphins, but played just 15 snaps and wasn't targeted with a pass.
If Smith indeed does sit out, it would be the first missed game of his four-year career. He's played in 61 straight games (59 starts). Smith said he hasn't missed a game since his junior year of high school.
"I'm not used to it. I'm not really used to missing practice," he said. "I don't really like it too much, but I have to get healthy and have to make the right decision. Obviously, I'm not going to make that decision today. We'll see what happens on Sunday."
If Smith can't play, the Ravens would again turn to Kamar Aiken and Marlon Brown to pick up the slack, something they did a good job with in Miami. Aiken caught a career-high six passes for 65 yards, including a 13-yard touchdown. Brown caught three passes for 30 yards, and has been particularly good in converting on third downs.
Smith said his knee could feel perfect by Sunday and another day or two will definitely help.
"I think sometimes it's better for Coach to save me from myself, because I've never had to make a call like that," Smith said. "I played my whole last year of school with a high ankle sprain, so I can play through pain. It's just a matter of weighing 'Is it worth lingering for a few weeks?' or 'Is it going to be ready on Sunday?' And I don't know the answer to that. But I'm not doubtful, I'll tell you that much!"
Campanaro Feels He Has 'Good Chance'
Another option to step into the wide receiver corps may be Michael Campanaro.
Campanaro hasn't been on the injury report at all this week after being listed with a thigh/hamstring for the past five weeks. It's a good sign that he's totally recovered after being out since Oct. 26.
"I think I have a good chance to play this week. I can definitely go out there and help contribute this week," Campanaro said. "I think it just depends on which receivers are [activated] and which receivers are down."
The seventh-round rookie was starting to heat up with six catches for 85 yards and one touchdown before he went down. His injury took longer than expected to heal.
"It gave me some problems, but I had no setbacks and it's just healed the right way," Campanaro said. "There's not a better time in the year to be getting healthy."
Taliaferro's Foot Leaves Him Questionable
Just when it looked like rookie running back Lorenzo Taliaferro might be back on the path to more offensive involvement, he may now be back on the shelf.
Taliaferro is listed as doubtful to play in Sunday's game due to a foot injury suffered last week.
In Miami, the fourth-round pick saw his first carry since Week 10. He ran seven times for 35 yards and caught one pass for 20 yards.
That means Bernard Pierce, who also had a good game against the Dolphins with three runs for 50 yards, may see the majority of the action behind starter Justin Forsett. Forsett was dealing with a knee injury last week, but practiced fully on Thursday and Friday this week.
If Baltimore needs another running back, it could pull Fitz Toussaint up from the practice squad.
Smith Sr. Sick, Levine Cleared
Wide receiver Steve Smith Sr. missed practice Thursday and Friday because of an illness, but he's listed as probable and should be fine for Sunday.
Cornerback Anthony Levine cleared the concussion protocol and practiced fully Thursday and Friday. He's expected to suit up and start opposite Lardarius Webb.
Rookie tight end Crockett Gillmore's back is improving. After sitting out the first two days of practice this week, he was a full participant on Friday. He's still listed as questionable, however, meaning Ravens fans could see more of Phillip Supernaw.
Gurad/tackle Jah Reid was limited in practice Thursday and Friday after not being on the injury report earlier in the week. He's questionable for Sunday.
Jaguars Rule Out Three Players
Jacksonville will be without top running back Denard Robinson, who went on injured reserve earlier this week due to a foot injury. That means the Jags will hand the ball off to Toby Gerhart and rookie Storm Johnson.
Backup defensive end Andre Branch (groin) and linebacker Khairi Fortt (hamstring) have also been ruled out.
The Jags listed eight players as probable, including starting quarterback Blake Bortles (shoulder), defensive end Chris Clemons (knee), Gerhart (ankle) and starting safety Josh Evans (finger).
