OWINGS MILLS, Md. — After suffering a setback in his recent return from offseason foot surgery, Ravens linebacker Elvis Dumervil said Wednesday that he won’t be able to play in the season opener against Buffalo.
The 32-year-old was activated from the physically unable to perform list on Aug. 22 and had practiced on a limited basis only a handful of days before being sidelined again, which had led to doubt about his Week 1 status. Dumervil described the setback as “minor” on Wednesday, but the five-time Pro Bowl selection declined to say when he’ll be ready to play.
“I won’t be able to go this week,” Dumervil said. “We’re just working at it in the training room, just getting ready. It’s a little disappointing, but sometimes you’ve just got to wait your turn and when the opportunity presents itself, take full advantage.”
Dumervil’s absence puts more pressure on returning veteran Terrell Suggs while thrusting young outside linebackers Za’Darius Smith and Matt Judon into more significant pass-rushing snaps. Veteran Albert McClellan is expected to serve as the strong-side outside linebacker in the base defense, which will allow Dumervil to return in the situational role he filled during his first two years with the Ravens.
Smith returned to practice on Wednesday after missing the final two preseason games with an ankle injury and deemed himself ready to play against the Bills on Sunday.
“No problem. A small ankle injury,” Smith said. “They kept me in the training room and got me better with that, so I’m happy to be back.”
Cornerback Jerraud Powers (ankle) and running back Kenneth Dixon (knee) were the only other players on the 53-man roster who were not present for Wednesday’s practice open to reporters. On Tuesday, Harbaugh labeled Powers “day-to-day” with an ankle injury that’s sidelined him since Aug. 20 while Dixon is expected to miss at least the first couple of weeks of the season with a torn medial collateral ligament in his left knee.
Cornerback Shareece Wright was present and working after missing a few days of practice with what was listed as a knee injury.
As is often the case at the end of the preseason, a few Ravens players have changed their jersey numbers as veteran receiver Mike Wallace has switched from No. 12 to No. 17, taking the number previously worn by Jeremy Butler. Cornerback Tavon Young is now wearing No. 36 while fellow rookie defensive back Maurice Canady will now don No. 33 in Wednesday’s workout. Powers will now wear No. 31, which was previously owned by safety Terrence Brooks.
Below is Wednesday’s injury report:
BALTIMORE
DID NOT PARTICIPATE: RB Kenneth Dixon (knee), LB Elvis Dumervil (foot), CB Jerraud Powers (ankle)
FULL PARTICIPATION: TE Dennis Pitta (finger), G John Urschel (shoulder), TE Maxx Williams (knee), CB Shareece Wright (foot)
BUFFALO
FULL PARTICIPATION: S Colt Anderson (foot), CB Kevon Seymour (hamstring)
LIMITED PARTICIPATION: OL Ryan Groy (ribs), QB Cardale Jones (right shoulder)
FULL PARTICIPATION: RB Jonathan Williams (ribs)
