Ravens Head Coach John Harbaugh gave a full injury rundown after Thursday's organized team activity (OTA) practice, and there was more good news than bad.
Here's the update:* *
Pierce Ahead Of Schedule
During rookie camp just two weeks ago, Harbaugh said that running back Bernard Pierce would likely be out until training camp because the Ravens didn't want to risk him falling on his surgically-repaired shoulder.
Yet Pierce was on the field doing individual drills on Thursday, including catching some passes. Pierce has also tweeted that he's sprinting, showing he's getting his legs lumbered up for action.
"Maybe a little bit ahead of schedule – maybe," Harbaugh said. "[It's] just the fact that we really didn't expect him to do that at this point, so he's really working hard."
Pierce's return is big for the Ravens considering starter Ray Rice could face a suspension at the beginning of the season and rookie running back Lorenzo Taliaferro was also recently arrested.* *
Cody Had Hip Surgery
When nose tackle Terrence Cody re-signed with the Ravens this offseason, he was excited to finally be healthy after numerous offseason procedures.
Cody has had another, this time to clean out some damage in his hip, which will sideline him for a couple months.
"He's got a chance to be back for training camp. He's rehabbing every day doing a good job with that," Harbaugh said.* *
Mellette Still Having Issues With Knee
Wide receiver Aaron Mellette is still having trouble with his injured knee from almost a year ago.
Drafted in the seventh round last year, Mellette battled through knee pain and still had a strong preseason performance. He found out he had torn cartilage and was placed on injured reserve six days after the season-opener in Denver.
Mellette was practicing on Thursday, but is day-to-day.
"He's been on and off," Harbaugh said. "[The knee has] been flaring up and swelling up when he works doing different things. He was out there today and looked good and we'll see how he responds tomorrow. We had some issues."* *
Campanaro Still Sidelined
This year's seventh-round pick, wide receiver Michael Campanaro, is still dealing with an injured hamstring. He tweaked it during his second day of practice, before rookie minicamp, and hasn't practiced since.
Harbaugh shares local fans' sentiments and said it's "really disappointing" to not yet get a peek at what Campanaro can do on the field.
"He's working hard to get back. Hopefully he'll be back next week as soon as possible," Harbaugh said. "I'm on him pretty hard about it. Local boy. He needs to be out there."* *
Urban Suits Up
Rookie fourth-round pick Brent Urban is healthy enough to take the field, and is trying to work his way through a college ankle injury.
Urban had surgery in early February and said he expected to be back in late-May or early June, so he's right on schedule. The 6-foot-7 Urban certainly looked the part of a big, strong defender.
"Brent Urban has been out there the last couple of days practicing as well," Harbaugh said. "He had a little scar tissue thing yesterday which actually made it feel better today, so we'll see where he's at tomorrow."* *
Other Injury Notes
The Ravens had good overall participation. The only veterans not present for voluntary OTAs were outside linebacker Terrell Suggs, defensive tackle Haloti Ngata and defensive end Chris Canty. Suggs and Ngata generally skip OTAs and Canty is a 31-year-old veteran.
Offensive tackle Jah Reid didn't practice because of calf strain and is expected to be out for a couple weeks. Ryan Jensen took his reps at right tackle behind Rick Wagner.
Harbaugh reiterated that left guard Kelechi Osemele is 100 percent back from last season's back injury, which knocked him out for most of the year.
Defensive end Kapron Lewis-Moore is "doing a really good job" with his injured knee and has had no ill effects.
Undrafted offensive tackle James Hurst has been fine since sliding out of the draft because of a broken leg.
Pass-rushing outside linebacker Adrian Hamilton is back on the field after spending last year on injured reserve due to a wrist surgery. "He's back 100 percent. He looks good. His wrist is a little sore from pushing and pulling, but he looks good," Harbaugh said.
