OWINGS MILLS, Md. — Returning to the practice field after a day off to celebrate Christmas, the Ravens were once again without one of their key defensive linemen as Arthur Jones was absent during Thursday’s workout.
The defensive tackle sustained a concussion in the fourth quarter of last Sunday’s 41-7 loss to New England. It’s worth noting that Jones missed two games in the 2011 season because of a concussion as he goes through the league’s mandated protocol this week.
Jones has arguably been Baltimore’s best defensive lineman this year as he’s collected four sacks and 52 tackles in 14 games. He would likely be replaced by second-year lineman DeAngelo Tyson in the starting lineup should he not be cleared in time for Sunday’s game against the Cincinnati Bengals.
Cornerback Asa Jackson (hamstring) was the only other player absent during the portion of practice open to media on Thursday.
Despite being listed as a non-participant on Wednesday’s estimated injury report, center Gino Gradkowski (knee) was present and working on a limited basis a day later. Running back Ray Rice (thigh), wide receiver Torrey Smith (hamstring), and linebackers Elvis Dumervil (ankle) and Albert McClellan (neck) were all practicing after being listed as limited on Wednesday’s estimated report.
Rice confirmed on Thursday that his quadriceps issue is not related to the early-season hip injury that’s plagued him for most of the season. He was not on the field Tuesday when the Ravens practiced prior to being off for the holiday.
“Tuesday was a great rest day [for] recovery,” Rice said. “Coach [John Harbaugh] is doing his best to try to take care of us. For me, having a long year, I needed the rest. It definitely felt good getting back out there today with the guys and getting up to speed. I didn’t miss much in terms of being in meetings and everything, but it’s nothing like getting a live rep out there.”
McClellan was upgraded to full participation after missing last Sunday’s game due to a neck injury.
Quarterback Joe Flacco (left knee) was present and working after not being included on the injury report. However, he will once again wear a knee brace.
For the Bengals, four starters were missing from Thursday’s practice as tight ends Jermaine Gresham and Tyler Eifert, linebacker Vontaze Burfict, and cornerback Terence Newman were all sidelined.
BALTIMORE
DID NOT PARTICIPATE: CB Asa Jackson (thigh), DT Arthur Jones (concussion)
LIMITED PARTICIPATION: LB Elvis Dumervil (ankle), C Gino Gradkowski (knee), RB Ray Rice (thigh), WR Torrey Smith (thigh)
FULL PARTICIPATION: LB Albert McClellan (neck),
CINCINNATI
DID NOT PARTICIPATE: LB Vontaze Burfict (concussion), TE Tyler Eifert (neck), TE Jermaine Gresham (hamstring), CB Terence Newman (knee), DT Devon Still (back)
LIMITED PARTICIPATION: CB Dre Kirkpatrick (ankle), LB Vincent Rey (ankle), TE Alex Smith (concussion), OT Andre Smith (ankle)
FULL PARTICIPATION: LB James Harrison (concussion)
