The Ravens will get some defensive reinforcements back on the practice field this week.
Safety Will Hill is eligible to return from a six-game suspension, and defensive lineman Terrence Cody (hip surgery) can also get back on the field after opening the season on the physically unable to perform list
The Ravens have been eager for Hill's return since signing him in August, and seeing his talent during training camp. He was able to play in the preseason and participate in practice during that time; his suspension started after the final preseason game.
He's eligible to practice this week before getting placed on the 53-man roster, giving the Ravens time to determine whether he is ready to play. The Ravens have to make a decision on his status by next Monday, but Harbaugh indicated that the 24-year-old safety could be ready to go for Sunday's matchup against Atlanta.
"I would say, 'Yeah,'" Harbaugh said when asked if Hill could play this week. "It just depends where he's at physically. He's been in every meeting, so he should be caught up mentally."
Hill has been allowed to attend team and position group meetings at the Under Armour Performance Center during his suspension.
"When you get on the field, it's a different perspective. It really is," Harbaugh said. "We'll just have to see how he looks in practice. We also have to mix it in with how he fits, what our personnel looks like, those kinds of things. If he can help us and it's the best for us on the 46 [active gameday roster], then he will be."
Adjusting to game speed shouldn't be too much of an issue for Hill, as he has plenty of game experience. He started 10 games last season for the New York Giants, and was one of the NFL's best safeties. He finished with 77 tackles, two passes defensed, two interceptions, a touchdown and two forced fumbles.
Hill could give the Ravens an immediate boost in the secondary, and he may push starters Matt Elam and Darian Stewart for playing time.
"He's very determined to make good, and I'm looking forward to seeing how he takes advantage of this opportunity," Harbaugh said last week. "He's a good player, and I think he can help us."
While Hill is a new face for the Ravens, Cody is a known commodity. The former second-round pick was re-signed this offseason and then underwent hip surgery for the second time in as many seasons.
The hip problems have plagued Cody the last few years, but Harbaugh has been impressed with what he's seen from the fifth-year defender.
"Right now the plan is to practice him this week, and the reason is that he's really been doing a great job with his rehab," Harbaugh said. "We've seen him do some things in there that we've never seen him do before, from an athletic standpoint, as far as being healthy with his hips. He's in great shape."
Cody has slimmed from last season, when he finished with 15 total tackles. His weight has dropped just three pounds, but his overall body fat percentage is down to 20 percent, Harbaugh said. Cody could help provide depth on a defensive line that has already dealt with a handful of injuries, and the Ravens are eager to see Cody at full-strength.
Cody can practice for up to three weeks before the Ravens decide whether to add him to the active roster.
"He's ready to go," Harbaugh said. "He's chomping at the bit. We'll see how he does."
