Kenneth Dixon Returns To Practice
Running back Kenneth Dixon returned to the practice field for the first time in more than a month.
Dixon went down with a knee injury in the third preseason game, and has been sidelined since that point. He was just a limited participant Wednesday, but getting him on the field at all is encouraging.
"He was out there for individual today and he gets better every single day," Head Coach John Harbaugh said.
Dixon, a fourth-round pick out of Louisiana Tech, might have been Baltimore's most explosive back during the summer. He came on strong at the end of training camp before the knee injury put him on the shelf.
The Ravens are optimistic about what his return can mean for the running game.
"He showed flashes in preseason which was exciting," Harbaugh said. "I think we're all excited about what he might do. We'll just have to see. That will be fun to see."
Elvis Dumervil Expected To Return
Outside linebacker Elvis Dumervil (foot) practiced as a full participant, and he continues to move towards making his season debut. Dumervil was a limited participant for two days of practice last week, but ultimately determined he needed more time before playing a game.
The fact that he practiced fully is a good sign that he's making progress.
Dumervil didn't talk with the media Wednesday, but fellow veteran defender Terrell Suggs hinted that his pass-rushing partner should be back on the field Sunday.
"We get another guy back this week. That is going to help us out," Suggs said with an eye wink. "It was tough not having him in there, but we get him back. It is going to be good. [We will] let him get in there and knock some rust off."
Dumervil's return is critical for a defense that already ranks No. 2 in the league in fewest yards allowed. He's a five-time Pro Bowler who has led the Ravens in sacks the last two seasons.
Getting Dumervil and Suggs back on the edge can wreak havoc on offenses. The last time they played an entire season together in 2014, they combined for more sacks than any other pass-rushing duo in the league.
Dumervil's Instagram post Wednesday certainly indicated his excitement to re-join Suggs in action.
Rookie Offensive Linemen Sidelined
The left side of the offensive line is hobbled as the Ravens start the week of preparation for the Oakland Raiders. Starting left tackle Ronnie Stanley (foot) and left guard Alex Lewis (concussion) both missed Wednesday's practice.
Stanley was in a walking boot, according to Jeff Zrebiec of The Baltimore Sun, and Lewis has to pass through the concussion protocol before returning to the field.
Stanley also dealt with a foot issue last week, but played through the injury. He made it clear going into last week's game that he would do everything he could to play, telling reporters, "It's going to take a lot for me to miss a game."
It's unknown whether missing practice is precautionary, or if he suffered a setback in the game.
If Stanley were to miss a game, James Hurst is in line for the backup role. Hurst has started 13 games at left tackle, and he was virtually the starter last season because Eugene Monroe was often injured.
If Lewis is out this week, then Ryan Jensen would likely get the nod. Jensen replaced Lewis in the fourth quarter of last week's game when the rookie went down.
Lewis' injury also opens the door for John Urschel to return. Urschel was the starting left guard before suffering a shoulder injury in the first preseason game. The injury sidelined him for about a month, but he has been a full participant in practice since the regular season began. Urschel was again listed on the injury report as a full participant.
Even if Urschel isn't the starter, he will likely be active if Lewis is out.
Timmy Jernigan, Kamar Aiken Both Miss Practice
The other players to miss practice with injuries were defensive tackle Timmy Jernigan (knee) and wide receiver Kamar Aiken (thigh). This is the first time either of them have appeared on the injury report this year.
Jernigan didn't complain of any knee injuries after Sunday's game when speaking with reporters. If his injury holds him out this week, that would be tough blow because he's been one of the team's best defenders.
Aiken is a valuable reserve and special teamer, but the Ravens have more depth at receiver.
The other injury of note is to starting returner Devin Hester, who was limited with a thigh issue. The injury wasn't serious enough to keep him out, but the Ravens need him healthy because he's their only true returner.
Cornerback Sheldon Price (thigh) was also limited.
Raiders Have Four Players Miss Practice
The Raiders are dealing with some minor injury questions of their own this week.
Offensive tackles Menelik Watson (calf) and Austin Howard (ankle), center Rodney Hudson (knee) and running back Taiwan Jones (knee) all were sidelined.
Safety Nate Allen (quad) and offensive tackle Matt McCants (knee) were both limited participants.
