Joe Flacco Is Still Limited at Practice
Quarterback Joe Flacco is taking baby steps toward getting back on the field.
Flacco was limited at practice last week as he first tested how his injured right hip would hold up. On Monday, he ramped up his work, but was still officially listed as limited. As opposed to last week, he was on the field for the entire practice.
"He's going to go through it, and we're just going to take it as we go," Head Coach John Harbaugh said before Wednesday's practice. "I don't anticipate it being a full participation – a whole practice – but ramped up from last week."
Flacco's status for Sunday's game in Kansas City is still in question, as a doctor would still need to clear him to play in a game – not just practice. That could be determined later in the week.
For now, rookie quarterback Lamar Jackson is preparing as if he is going to start.
James Hurst Could Return This Week
The Ravens' offensive line could be back at full strength this week as versatile veteran James Hurst (back) is gearing up for a return. Hurst was still listed as limited in Wednesday's practice, but is trending up.
Hurst hasn't played in a game since Week 6 in Tennessee, missing the past six contests. He had an issue with a disc in his back, and once that righted itself, the pain spread to his lower leg. The back injury totally put him on the shelf, including in the weight room.
Last week, Hurst returned to practice in a limited fashion and worked to get his strength back. This week, the Ravens will see whether his back will stand up to a heavier workload.
"It's been really tough. It's been miserable, actually, just sitting out and watching the guys," Hurst said.
"Obviously, we have a little momentum right now, so I'm excited to see that for the guys and excited to come back amidst that, hopefully bring some more energy and life to the guys and continue the run we're having."
The biggest question if Hurst is able to play is whether he would be inserted back into the starting lineup. The Ravens have a good thing going right now with rookie Orlando Brown Jr. at right tackle, where Hurst began the season as the starter.
So Would Hurst move back to left guard, where he started all 16 games last year? Would he be the Ravens' sixth lineman? Hurst said he's playing a bit of everything in practice right now and happy to contribute however he can.
"I'm excited to play in that kind of system we're doing right now and hopefully keep it rolling," he said.
Marlon Humphrey Surprisingly Not at Practice, Tony Jefferson Still Out
The most surprising absence from Wednesday's practice was cornerback Marlon Humphrey, who did not seem to suffer any injury in Sunday's win in Atlanta. He is listed with a groin injury.
Veterans such as safety Eric Weddle, wide receiver Michael Crabtree and guard Marshal Yanda got their typical Wednesday off, but Humphrey usually suits up.
It's too early to be concerned about Humphrey's game status. The Ravens need Humphrey this week, especially against a high-flying Chiefs offense featuring quarterback Patrick Mahomes, wide receiver Tyreek Hill and tight end Travis Kelce.
Safety Tony Jefferson (ankle) is still not practicing after missing Sunday's game in Atlanta. Guard Alex Lewis (shoulder), cornerback Tavon Young (groin) and linebacker/defensive back Anthony Levine (ankle) also did not practice.
Gus Edwards Isn't Worried About His Ankle, Tim Williams Is Back
Rookie running back Gus Edwards has rushed for 315 yards the past three weeks thanks in large part to his physical, downhill style. However, that powerful running has also led to him taking some big shots and getting a little banged up, too.
Edwards was dealing with an ankle injury that limited him in practice some last week, but he's not listed on the Ravens' injury report at the start of this week.
"I feel good, I feel good," Edwards said. "I'm going to keep on working on my ankle, and I'm going to be good."
In other positive news, outside linebacker Tim Williams (ankle) was a full practice participant. Williams hasn't played since the Ravens' Week 8 game in Carolina.
