Ngata, J. Smith, Kemoeatu return to practice; Reed downplays labrum injury

(Updated: 4:45 p.m.)
OWINGS MILLS, Md. — Moving one day closer to a battle against the team with which they’re tied for the best record in the AFC, the Ravens saw three defensive starters return to the practice field on Thursday, including All-Pro defensive tackle Haloti Ngata.
Ngata was missing from practice during the portion open to reporters but was listed as a limited participant on Thursday’s injury report. The Pro Bowl defensive lineman missed Wednesday’s workout as he continued to rest a sprained MCL. He is still regarded as a good bet to play against the Houston Texans.
Cornerback Jimmy Smith (groin) and nose tackle Ma’ake Kemoeatu (knee) were present and working for the portion of practice open to the media. Kemoeatu wore a bulky brace on his right knee as he walked onto the practice field.
Offensive lineman Ramon Harewood was a new absence for Thursday’s practice and wasn’t listed on the injury report for Wednesday. The 2010 sixth-round pick was benched last week after starting the first five games of the regular season and was replaced by veteran Bobbie Williams against Dallas.
Outside linebacker Terrell Suggs was practicing for the second straight day and walked onto the field using a different doorway then Wednesday, once again toying with photographers and cameramen and preventing them from getting optimum shots.
Veteran safety Ed Reed was once again practicing Thursday despite revealing he’s been dealing with a torn labrum. He downplayed the significance of the injury and its impact on his ability to tackle.
“I’m not a pitcher. I don’t play baseball,” Reed said. “That’s something that we knew about. It’s nothing to worry about. It is what it is. The last few weeks, I have been dealing with it.”
Offensive tackle Kelechi Osemele had his right hand and wrist heavily wrapped as he began practicing on Thursday.
Meanwhile, Texans cornerback Johnathan Joseph missed his second straight practice as he deals with a groin injury. The standout corner is expected to be a game-time decision for Sunday.
Here is Thursday’s official injury report …
BALTIMORE
DID NOT PARTICIPATE: T Ramon Harewood (head)
LIMITED PARTICIPATION: DT Ma’ake Kemoeatu (knee), T Bryant McKinnie (thigh), DT Haloti Ngata (knee), CB Jimmy Smith (abs)
HOUSTON
DID NOT PARTICIPATE: CB Johnathan Joseph (groin)
LIMITED PARTICIPATION: NT Shaun Cody (back), S Quintin Demps (thumb/forearm), DE David Hunter (toe), OLB Jesse Nading (foot/neck), RB Ben Tate (toe)
FULL PARTICIPATION: OLB Bryan Braman (knee), G Antoine Caldwell (concussion), ILB Bradie James (calf), WR Lestar Jean (knee), C Ben Jones (knee), S Shiloh Keo (neck/back/thumb), C Chris Myers (hip), G Wade Smith (knee)