Jernigan returns to practice while Melvin remains sidelined

OWINGS MILLS, Md. — Moving closer to the season opener in Denver, the Ravens welcomed back defensive tackle Timmy Jernigan to the practice field on Thursday afternoon.
Sidelined with a right knee injury since the third preseason game on Aug. 29, Jernigan appeared to be moving well in the portion of practice open to the media. It remains unclear whether he’ll be ready to return for Week 1 after missing nearly two weeks of practice.
“I think it’s going to be a real close call,” Jernigan said. “I’ve got a good feeling about it. It feels pretty good — just the little bit of reps I did at practice. The biggest thing is just seeing how long I can go for and making sure that [knee] doesn’t give out after a while.”
The second-year defensive lineman is expected to be the primary replacement for five-time Pro Bowl selection Haloti Ngata this season, but rookie Carl Davis impressed coaches and teammates in the preseason, creating much confidence that he can step into a starting role if Jernigan can’t play against the Broncos.
Davis made two starts in the preseason, collecting five tackles, a sack, and two pass breakups.
“The young guy, Carl, he’s been doing a good job for us,” linebacker Terrell Suggs said. “We’re really excited for him. We love Haloti [and he] will always be a Raven, but this young guy, we feel really good about him.”
Cornerback Rashaan Melvin (thigh), wide receiver Breshad Perriman (knee), and running back Lorenzo Taliaferro (knee) were once again missing from Thursday’s workout. Perriman and Taliaferro are not expected to play against Denver while Melvin hasn’t practiced since the third preseason game against Washington.
Melvin drew two starts in the preseason in place of veteran Lardarius Webb, who dealt with a hamstring issue for much of training camp.
After not appearing on the injury report on Wednesday, linebacker Daryl Smith and defensive end Chris Canty were not present for Thursday’s practice as head coach John Harbaugh has historically used that day of the week to rest select veteran players.
The Broncos had one addition to Thursday’s report as reserve receiver Andre Caldwell sat out practice with flu-like symptoms.
Below is Thursday’s injury report:
BALTIMORE
DID NOT PARTICIPATE: DE Chris Canty (non-injury), CB Rashaan Melvin (thigh), WR Breshad Perriman (knee), LB Daryl Smith (non-injury) RB Lorenzo Taliaferro (knee)
LIMITED PARTICIPATION: DT Timmy Jernigan (knee)
DENVER
DID NOT PARTICIPATE: DE Kenny Anunike (knee), WR Andre Caldwell (illness)
LIMITED PARTICIPATION: LB Lerentee McCray (groin)
FULL PARTICIPATION: S Omar Bolden (rib cage), TE Mitchell Henry (finger), LB Brandon Marshall (foot)