Aug 16, 2014; Arlington, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Dez Bryant (88) and Baltimore Ravens cornerback Jimmy Smith (22) fight for the ball during the first quarter at AT&T Stadium. Baltimore beat Dallas 37-30. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports
The Ravens had a solid practice Tuesday, one day after they made some roster moves and cut 12 players to whittle the roster down to 75 players. And following practice, John Harbaugh had lots of good news for fans. Including a possible timeline for the return of both starting corners, Jimmy Smith and Lardarius Webb.
John harbaugh said he anticipates lardarius webb and jimmy smith practicing early next week
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) August 26, 2014
Harbaugh also gave us positive news on both Jah Reid and Asa Jackson’s potential return to practice. Kamar Aiken returned to practice on Tuesday after a short absence as well.
john harbaugh said 'Asa jackson is making progress'
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) August 26, 2014
john harbaugh said he expects jah reid (concussion) to be back as soon as friday
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) August 26, 2014
Kamar Aiken (migraine) returned to practice, Asa Jackson (sprained ankle) on the field, not practicing, but doing some lateral movement
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) August 26, 2014
In addition to the cornerback trio and Reid, Bernard Pierce missed practice after suffering his “mild” concussion, as did Matt Elam with what Harbaugh has called a minor leg injury. Asa Jackson did do some light running and lateral movement today to test out the ankle.
Not practicing: Jah Reid, Bernard Pierce (concussions), Jimmy Smith (chest), Lardarius Webb (back), Matt Elam (leg), Asa Jackson (ankle)
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) August 26, 2014
#Ravens CB Asa Jackson (ankle) was running and working on lateral movement while others were doing position drills.
— Jamison Hensley (@jamisonhensley) August 26, 2014
Owen Daniels practiced for the second day in a row after missing two weeks with leg fatigue.
Owen Daniels practiced again
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) August 26, 2014
#Ravens TE Owen Daniels (leg fatigue) was practicing for a second straight day
— Jamison Hensley (@jamisonhensley) August 26, 2014
Many have speculated that the Ravens could make a trade, especially for a cornerback, but John Harbaugh shot down the possibility following practice Tuesday.
Will #Ravens trade for a cornerback? http://t.co/oTtZz85kwt
— Jamison Hensley (@jamisonhensley) August 26, 2014
john harbaugh said he doesn't get his hopes up about trades says he doesn't feel like his team is 'desperate' for anything
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) August 26, 2014
Harbaugh also expressed confidence in his offensive line depth, even though the second and third teams haven’t really performed well in the preseason.
john harbaugh 'our depth on the offensive line is at least as good as anyone else's'
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) August 26, 2014
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All in all, a revealing day. We have anticipated all along that Smith, Webb, and Jackson would be held out until just before the start of the regular season. All three should be ready to roll for week 1. Pierce is still a question mark, but two weeks is a good bit of time to get through the NFL’s concussion protocol.
Reid’s return to health will be a plus for the Ravens, who are counting on him to play a role as the top reserve lineman this season and as a extra blocker in certain sets. We are still skeptical about Daniels and what type of impact he will have this season. How much he practices the next couple of weeks will be a telling tale.