OWINGS MILLS, Md. — The Ravens have dealt with an array of injuries on the defensive side of the ball early in training camp but saw rookie defensive tackle Timmy Jernigan return to the field on Sunday afternoon.
The second-round pick had been sidelined with back spasms since leaving the field Wednesday on the same play that saw rookie defensive end Brent Urban suffer a season-ending knee injury. Jernigan told head coach John Harbaugh a couple days ago he vowed to be ready to play in the preseason opener against the San Francisco 49ers on Thursday night.
“They just eased me back in. I’ll be ready to go on Thursday,” Jernigan said after working on a limited basis Sunday. “I don’t want to miss any games. [There were] no setbacks. They just want me to be cautious.”
Harbaugh gave a day off to tight end Dennis Pitta and linebacker Elvis Dumervil as neither veteran was present for the start of Sunday’s practice but later came outside to observe.
Cornerback Lardarius Webb (back), linebacker Daryl Smith (groin), offensive lineman Will Rackley (concussion), and wide receiver Michael Campanaro (ribs) were also absent. Harbaugh told reporters Saturday that Webb is likely to miss the first two preseason games as he continues to deal with lower back spasms.
There is no timetable for Rackley to return to the practice field after he suffered a concussion early in camp.
“For me, it’s just, ‘Is he ready to go or not?'” Harbaugh said. “With those concussion symptoms, they say he’s getting better and then he’s worse again. I don’t know.”
Defensive tackle Terrence Cody remains on the active physically unable to perform list as he works his way back from offseason hip surgery. Harbaugh told reporters it’s unlikely that Cody will be ready to begin practicing in the next couple weeks.
The Ravens worked out in full pads on Sunday and will travel to Annapolis to practice at the Naval Academy Monday night.
