OWINGS MILLS, Md. — Though still in the concussion protocol, Ravens defensive end Calais Campbell practiced on a limited basis on Wednesday, meaning he’s moving closer to a return to game action.
The six-time Pro Bowl selection reported having concussion symptoms the day after the Nov. 21 win over Chicago and wasn’t able to play in the 16-10 victory over Cleveland. That didn’t stop the Baltimore defense from holding the Browns’ vaunted rushing attack to a season-low 40 yards, of course, but Campbell’s return would be a welcome sight for Sunday’s AFC North meeting with the Pittsburgh Steelers at Heinz Field.
Campbell’s ability to take part in the opening portion of Wednesday’s workout means he’s advanced to the latter stages of the five-step protocol to be cleared.
Nine other Ravens players were absent from the workout because of injury or illness, a list headlined by cornerbacks Anthony Averett (shoulder/ankle), Tavon Young (illness), and Chris Westry (thigh). Head coach John Harbaugh said reserve cornerback Kevon Seymour was the only player to test positive for COVID-19 earlier this week, but Young being part of the same position group is something worth monitoring over the next few days.
Tight end Nick Boyle (knee) also sat out after playing just 10 offensive snaps against the Browns, another indication that he isn’t yet back to full strength in his return from last year’s serious knee injury. Wide receiver and return specialist Devin Duvernay also missed Wednesday’s practice due to a thigh issue.
Both cornerback Jimmy Smith (neck) and wide receiver Miles Boykin (finger) returned to practice on a limited basis after missing the last two games with their respective injuries. Inside linebacker Patrick Queen was also a limited participant after briefly leaving the game against Cleveland with a rib injury.
The Ravens added defensive backs Robert Jackson and Blake Countess, an Owings Mills native, to their practice squad and placed kicker Jake Verity on practice squad injured reserve on Wednesday.
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Meanwhile, the Steelers practiced without cornerback Joe Haden (foot), linebacker Robert Spillane (knee), and quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (pectoral/right shoulder) on Wednesday. Mike Tomlin said earlier this week that Spillane isn’t expected to play on Sunday, but the Pittsburgh head coach expressed some optimism that Haden has a chance to return this week after a two-game absence.
Despite being placed in the concussion protocol earlier this week, Steelers rookie tight end Pat Freiermuth was listed as a full participant.
Below is Wednesday’s full injury report:
BALTIMORE
DID NOT PARTICIPATE: CB Anthony Averett (shoulder/ankle), TE Nick Boyle (knee), C Bradley Bozeman (shin laceration), WR Devin Duvernay (thigh), OLB Justin Houston (non-injury), OL Patrick Mekari (ankle), OT Cedric Ogbuehi (thigh), FB Patrick Ricard (foot/thigh), CB Chris Westry (thigh), CB Tavon Young (illness)
LIMITED PARTICIPATION: WR Miles Boykin (finger), DE Calais Campbell (concussion), ILB Patrick Queen (ribs), CB Jimmy Smith (neck)
PITTSBURGH
DID NOT PARTICIPATE: OL Zach Banner (illness), CB Joe Haden (foot), QB Ben Roethlisberger (pectoral/right shoulder), LB Robert Spillane (knee), OL Trai Turner (coaches’ decision)
LIMITED PARTICIPATION: WR Chase Claypool (toe)
FULL PARTICIPATION: TE Pat Freiermuth (concussion), LS Christian Kuntz (hip)
