Elvis Dumervil Headed In Right Direction, Could Be Game-Time Decision
Outside linebacker Elvis Dumervil has a chance to return this Sunday in Jacksonville.
Dumervil practiced on a limited basis throughout the week and has made progress in returning from an offseason foot-area procedure. He's listed as questionable to play.
"I thought he looked good," Head Coach John Harbaugh said Friday.
"He's worked really hard, he's put a lot of time in. It's just a matter of, when you get to that point [of deciding if he will play], you decide whether it's going to give you the best chance to win or not based on where he's at physically. We know what kind of player he is and what he's capable of."
Dumervil led the Ravens in sacks the past two seasons. Without him, Baltimore has gotten good pressure up the middle and from various sources. But the Ravens' pass rush would certainly be bolstered with its Pro Bowler coming off the edge.
On Thursday, Dumervil said he's "shooting for" a return this Sunday after missing the previous two games.
"I'm shooting to try to go out as soon as I can," he said. "I've just got to continue to keep feeling that endurance, building that strength and getting that explosiveness where I feel I'm me.
"The good news is every time I wake up, it feels the same. I'm not going backwards. … I think we're at a point where we're going in the right direction, no doubt."
After suffering a setback, Dumervil hasn't put too much stress on his injury. He's previously said it's a pain-tolerance issue. If he's still experiencing too much pain where he won't be as productive on the field, he could give it more time.
"It's a collective [decision] between me and the doctors and making sure we're being smart," Dumervil said. "And, at the same time, making sure I can be as productive as I can for the team when I go out."
Jeremy Zuttah Misses Practice But Not Injured
Ravens center Jeremy Zuttah did not practice Friday, but his absence wasn't injury related and there aren't further details.
Zuttah is not listed among the players in the final game status of the injury report.
When asked why Zuttah didn't practice Friday, Harbaugh said it would be a good question for the nine-year veteran.
"There's no injury there, as you'll see on the injury report," Harbaugh said. "Jeremy's fine."
Baltimore's starting center has had some difficult moments through the first two games, and the Ravens have had trouble running the ball up the middle.
If Zuttah doesn't play, the Ravens could turn to John Urschel or Ryan Jensen.
Urschel started seven games at center last year after Zuttah went down with a shoulder injury. Urschel has been inactive the first two weeks after dealing with a shoulder injury of his own, but was a full* *practice participant throughout this week. Jensen started six games at guard last year.
Ronnie Stanley Expects To Play, Kenneth Dixon Ruled Out Again
Rookie left tackle Ronnie Stanley didn't stay out long, and it doesn't appear he'll miss Sunday's game. He's listed as questionable, which is the best designation a player can now get.
Stanley missed Wednesday's practice because of a foot injury, but was a full participant Thursday and Friday. He never missed a game during his four-year college career at Notre Dame.
"It's going to take a lot for me to miss a game," Stanley said Wednesday.
"That's definitely something that's always been in the back of the mind for me – if I can help my team I'm going to do everything I can to do that."
Another rookie, fourth-round running back Kenneth Dixon, is making progress but still not ready to play. He was ruled out for the third straight week after suffering a knee injury in the Ravens' third preseason game on Aug. 27.
Dixon was the team's most impressive running back in the preseason, and the Ravens could use his return to help get the ground game going.
"He's working hard and he's getting closer," Harbaugh said Wednesday. "He seems to be on schedule. I'm looking forward to getting him back."
Jaguars' Starting Left Tackle Out, RB Chris Ivory 'Should' Play
Jacksonville will be without starting left tackle Kelvin Beachum (concussion) which will push Luke Joeckel (the No. 2 overall pick in 2011) into action.
Backup tight end Ben Koyack (knee) has also been ruled out.
Running back Chris Ivory, however, "should" play in his first game after missing the first two contests due to a general medical issue, according to Jaguars Head Coach Gus Bradley. Ivory was a full practice participant Thursday and Friday.
Ivory, who rushed for 1,070 yards and seven touchdowns last season as a New York Jet, would split duties with T.J. Yeldon.
Jaguars cornerback Prince Amukamara (hamstring), safety Tashaun Gipson (hamstring), center Brandon Linder (knee) and defensive end Jared Odrick (tricep) are all listed as questionable.
