Live from Owings Mills: Cody, Redding, Birk return to practice on Thursday

OWINGS MILLS, Md. — Facing a plethora of injuries, some serious and others of the nagging variety, the Ravens saw three players return to the practice field on Thursday after being absent a day ago.
Defensive tackle Terrence Cody, defensive end Cory Redding, and center Matt Birk (knee) were back on the field during the portion of practice open to the media. Cody sustained a concussion in the 26-13 loss to the Titans on Sunday but passed the battery of baseline tests required to return to action. However, Cody went through position drills without a helmet, indicating he was limited in his return to practice.
Redding sat out Wednesday’s workout with a toe injury, but the 30-year-old did not appear to be limited as he took part in drills with the rest of the defensive line.
Birk’s return was expected after Wednesday appeared to simply be a day off for the 35-year-old center. He did not take part in the preseason after undergoing arthroscopic knee surgery in early August, but Birk has practiced fully since the week prior to the start of the regular season.
Left guard Ben Grubbs (toe) missed his second straight practice of the week, further clouding his status for Sunday after he missed the first game of his career last week. With Grubbs hobbled, Mark LeVoir and former Pro Bowler Andre Gurode continue to work at the left guard spot.
Wide receiver Lee Evans was also absent from the open portion of practice as he continues to rest his left ankle. His status is in jeopardy after coach John Harbaugh suggested the Ravens could elect to rest Evans if he is unable to produce in the way they need him to.
Cornerback Jimmy Smith (high ankle sprain) and return specialist David Reed were not present and are not expected to return before the Ravens’ bye week that follows their Week 4 meeting with the New York Jets.
Chris Carr was practicing for the second straight day and was a limited participant in Wednesday’s workout. His limited number of reps was intentional, and the 5-10 cornerback expects to be able to play on Sunday against the Rams.
“It’s trying not to be prideful, because you really want to play, but trying to be smart,” said Carr, who revealed Sunday was the first game he’s missed because of an injury. “If I feel like I can’t perform like I’m usually accustomed to performing than I’m not going to play.”
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