Live from Owings Mills: Zbikowski joins Evans, Grubbs as absentees on Friday

OWINGS MILLS, Md. — Offensive starters Lee Evans and Ben Grubbs were missing from the practice field for the second straight day on Friday, making it very unlikely either will return to action against the Jacksonville Jaguars on Monday night.
In fact, neither was even present for the Ravens’ morning walk-through, an indication the team is not even planning for the possibility of Evans or Grubbs to return to the lineup. Grubbs has not played since Week 1 after suffering a right toe injury while Evans has been sidelined since the Week 2 loss in Tennessee with a left ankle injury. Both players returned to the practice field early last week before having setbacks.
Safety Tom Zbikowski joined Evans and Grubbs as a non-participant after he worked on a limited basis on Thursday. The four-year veteran has still not been cleared for contact since sustaining a concussion against the New York Jets on Oct. 2.
Cornerbacks Jimmy Smith and Chris Carr were practicing for the second consecutive day after working on a limited basis on Thursday. While it’s still a mystery whether either plays against Jacksonville, the Ravens appear to be getting healthier in the secondary than they’ve been since the beginning of the season.
“I’m preparing like I’m going to play on Monday, but if I don’t feel like I’m going to be 100 percent, then I’m not going to go,” said Carr, who has attempted to return at several different points from a left hamstring injury he suffered in mid-August. “If I’m going to go and I’m up for this game, then I’m going to be ready. There’s going to be no 90 percent anymore, but I’m feeling pretty good.”
Linebacker Jarret Johnson (back) returned to practice after sitting out Thursday’s workout.
Having already been ruled out, linebacker Dannell Ellerbe (hamstring) and running back Anthony Allen (thigh) were not on the practice field on Friday.