Joe Flacco Returns, Questionable To Play
The Ravens could breathe a bit of a sigh of a relief Friday when starting quarterback Joe Flacco made his way out to the practice field.
Flacco participated as a full participant Friday after missing the last two days of practice with a sore right shoulder. He is officially listed as questionable to play Sunday against the New York Jets.
Flacco didn't talk with the media Friday and Head Coach John Harbaugh was non-committal about his quarterback's status for the weekend.
"We will see how he responds tomorrow," Harbaugh said.
The fact that Flacco returned to practice is certainly an encouraging sign, even if Friday's session was just a walk-through. During the portion of practice open to the media, Flacco showed no hesitation throwing a number of short passes.
Tight end Dennis Pitta said he would be surprised if Flacco doesn't play Sunday.
"Just throwing with him, he had good zip on the ball and good velocity," Pitta said. "We should see the same old Joe Flacco."
If Flacco can't play, the Ravens will turn to Ryan Mallett to get the start. Mallett started two games last year, including a Week 16 upset victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers.
"You have to be ready at the drop of a hat," Mallett said. "If something happens during a game or any week of the season, you've always got to be ready."
Elvis Dumervil, C.J. Mosley Both Ruled Out
Linebackers Elvis Dumervil (foot) and C.J. Mosley (thigh) will both miss their second-straight game.
Dumervil is working to overcome a foot problem that has bothered him since last season and continues to nag him despite offseason surgery. Mosley is nursing a hamstring injury that he suffered on his interception return against the Redskins in Week 5.
Dumervil has played in just two games this season and has no clear date for a return.
"I'm working every day, [returning this year is] the goal. No doubt," Dumervil told reporters Thursday. "I don't have a timetable. I wish I did, but I really don't."
Terrell Suggs, Steve Smith Sr., Marshal Yanda All Doubtful
Terrell Suggs (biceps), Steve Smith Sr. (ankle) and right guard Marshal Yanda (shoulder) are all doubtful to play.
Suggs went down last week while sacking Giants quarterback Eli Manning, and he wasn't able to return. The defensive leader has a torn biceps muscle, but wants to play through the injury like he did during the 2012 season.
Harbaugh acknowledged earlier in the week that it would be unlikely for Suggs and Yanda to get on the field this week.
Smith is dealing with an ankle injury that forced him out of the Week 4 matchup with Washington. He hasn't practiced at all the last two weeks. If Smith is out, Kamar Aiken would likely start in his place again.
Secondary Banged Up
The Ravens have some big questions in their secondary.
Top cornerback Jimmy Smith is coming off a concussion that ended his game early last week, and he is officially listed as questionable. Smith practiced in a non-contact jersey during the week, and he needs to get medical clearance to play Sunday.
Other cornerbacks Shareece Wright (thigh) and Jerraud Powers (thigh) and safety Kendrick Lewis (thigh) are also hampered. Powers left last week's game early and Wright didn't practice at all during the week. Wright and Lewis are officially listed as doubtful and Powers is questionable.
Tavon Young and Will Davis will likely see increased snaps as they are the only two cornerbacks not listed on the injury report this week.
Ronnie Stanley A Full Participant All Week
Rookie left tackle Ronnie Stanley looks like he's nearing a return.
After missing three-straight games with a foot problem, the No. 6 overall pick was a full participant in practice all week. He is officially listed as questionable to play.
The makeup of the offensive line could change if Stanley is active. He could resume his spot at left tackle, pushing Alex Lewis back to left guard. Ryan Jensen would likely start at right guard if Yanda is unable to play.
Rick Wagner is also expected to return to the lineup after missing last week's game with a thigh injury. Wagner wasn't even listed on the injury report this week.
Devin Hester Returns, Listed As Questionable
Veteran return man Devin Hester is another key player who returned to practice Friday as a full participant. He had been sidelined the last two days after missing Sunday's game with a thigh injury.
"I'm hopeful that he'll be with us as soon as this weekend," Special Teams Coordinator Jerry Rosburg said Thursday.
If Hester can't play, then Lardarius Webb would likely get the assignment as a punt returner with Chris Moore as the kick returner.
Jets Rule Out Four Players
The Jets have some players nursing injuries as well, and they ruled out four players.
Tight ends Austin Seferian-Jenkins (ankle) and Braedon Bowman (knee), linebacker Darron Lee (ankle) and offensive lineman Brent Qvale (neck) all won't play.
Offensive linemen Ryan Clady (shoulder) and Nick Mangold (knee) and defensive lineman Muhammad Wilkerson (ankle) are all questionable to play.
