OWINGS MILLS, Md. — The Ravens welcomed cornerback Jimmy Smith back to the practice field as they prepare for Sunday’s showdown with the red-hot Miami Dolphins.
After missing the last two games with a back injury, Smith appeared to be working on a limited basis as the Ravens practiced indoors due to Wednesday’s rain. Head coach John Harbaugh described Smith as “close” to returning on Monday, so his presence two days later was a good sign for his Week 13 status.
Despite Smith not taking part in all drills during the open portion of practice, he was listed as a full participant on Wednesday’s injury report.
Five players were missing from Wednesday’s workout, a list that included wide receiver Kamar Aiken (thigh), running back Lorenzo Taliaferro (hamstring), tight end Crockett Gillmore (hamstring), and guards Marshal Yanda (shoulder) and Alex Lewis (ankle). Yanda was given Wednesday off for the second straight week.
Aiken was the only surprise among the nonparticipants, but his head coach downplayed his absence.
“He should be fine for Sunday,” Harbaugh said. “He had a bruise. We will see how it develops.”
A scary moment during Wednesday’s practice occurred when wide receiver Steve Smith appeared to tweak his right leg while going against cornerback Shareece Wright in a 1-on-1 drill. Smith limped off and was laboring on the sideline, but he finished practice without any further issue.
Outside linebacker Elvis Dumervil (foot) was present and participating fully after playing in his first game since Week 5 on Sunday. His fourth-quarter strip-sack against Cincinnati quarterback Andy Dalton helped preserve a 19-14 win for the Ravens.
“I was very excited,” Harbaugh said. “I told you before I’d be happy to see him out there making plays, and right on cue, he did it. He looked like himself. He looked very explosive. I know he’s excited also.”
The Dolphins saw the limited return of left tackle Brandon Albert (wrist) and left guard Laremy Tunsil (shoulder) to practice, but starting center Mike Pouncey (hip) remained sidelined. None of those three starters on their offensive line played against San Francisco in Week 12.
Below is Wednesday’s full injury report:
BALTIMORE
DID NOT PARTICIPATE: WR Kamar Aiken (thigh), TE Crockett Gillmore (thigh), G Alex Lewis (ankle), RB Lorenzo Taliaferro (thigh), G Marshal Yanda (shoulder)
FULL PARTICIPATION: CB Jimmy Smith (back)
MIAMI
DID NOT PARTICIPATE: RB Kenyan Drake (knee), LB Jelani Jenkins (knee/hand), DT Earl Mitchell (back), WR DeVante Parker (back), C Mike Pouncey (hip)
LIMITED PARTICIPATION: OT Brandon Albert (wrist), G Jermon Bushrod (calf), CB Xavien Howard (knee), G Laremy Tunsil (shoulder)
