Canty Questionable, Jernigan Out
The Ravens' already sparse defensive line will be even thinner Sunday against the Carolina Panthers.
Defensive tackle Timmy Jernigan (knee) will miss his second straight game, as he's been ruled out. Jernigan didn't practice all week.
Defensive end Chris Canty (knee) also did not practice at all throughout the week, but is listed as questionable.
The Ravens are already without Kapron Lewis-Moore (Achilles) and rookie Brent Urban (knee) because of season-ending injuries they suffered in training camp.
Canty and DeAngelo Tyson picked up the slack last week, but the group could take a hit without Canty.
"He's a leader," Tyson said of Canty. "Most of the time when you're going to battle, you want to have your leaders. But if he's not able to play, it's next man up, and we'll try to get the win without him."
If Canty can't suit up, the Ravens would turn to Tyson, Christo Bilukidi and defensive tackle Lawrence Guy. They acquired Guy this week and Bilukidi after Week 1.
Guy came from the San Diego Chargers and has played in 24 career games over three seasons, so he's experienced. He fits the system well and is a "play-hard guy," Head Coach John Harbaugh said.
The Ravens texted former Ravens outside linebacker Jarret Johnson, who now plays for the Chargers, to get his take on Guy.
"When we texted him, he gave us his stamp of approval," Harbaugh said. "So, [Johnson] said [Guy] has, 'Raven-like qualities.' So, that was all we needed to hear in the end."
Suggs Returns To Practice Friday; Probable To Play
The biggest name on the Ravens' injury report is Pro Bowl outside linebacker Terrell Suggs.
Suggs was sidelined at the end of last week's game in Cleveland due to a thigh injury, but told reporters afterwards that it was minor.
He didn't practice on Wednesday or Thursday, but returned to the field on Friday. He's listed as probable to play.
Suggs has been perhaps the Ravens' best defender this year. If he can't suit up, Baltimore would likely turn to Pernell McPhee.
Pierce Good To Go
Running back Bernard Pierce practiced fully all week and is probable to play after missing last Sunday's game with a thigh injury.
Although Pierce didn't miss a game last year, he played through most of the season with hamstring, knee and shoulder injuries. He said he's not banged up this year like he was last season.
"No, I'm not heading that way," Pierce said. "I'm going to be good."
Pierce was coming off a 22-rush, 96-yard performance against the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 2. His return will add to the abundance the Ravens have at running back.
But it's unknown exactly how Pierce will fit in. He was the lead dog against Pittsburgh, but rookie Lorenzo Taliaferro put up 91 yards last week against Cleveland and veteran Justin Forsett has been consistently good as well.
"At the end of the day, it's about productivity," Pierce said. "If somebody is producing a little more than somebody else, you just have a three-man rotation. I'm perfectly fine with that."
J. Smith Probable, S. Smith And Daniels Rested
Cornerback Jimmy Smith (knee/ankle) practiced fully for the second straight day and is probable to play against the Panthers.
The Ravens may need Smith to cover 6-foot-5, 240-pound Panthers rookie receiver Kelvin Benjamin, who caught eight passes for 115 yards and a touchdown against the Steelers last week.
Veteran wide receiver Steve Smith Sr. and tight end Owen Daniels were out of practice Thursday for non-injury related reasons. They both returned Friday after getting a little rest.
Panthers Banged Up Too
The Ravens aren't the only banged-up team in this matchup.
Starting linebacker Thomas Davis (hip) didn't practice on Wednesday and was limited Thursday and Friday. He's listed as questionable.
Running back Jonathan Stewart (knee) was out Wednesday and Thursday and returned Friday. He's also questionable.
Starting running back DeAngelo Williams (thigh) practiced fully all week. He's joined by wide receiver Jerricho Cotchery (thigh), cornerback Charles Godfrey (ankle) and safety Roman Harper (knee) as probable to play.
