OWINGS MILLS, Md. — The Ravens welcomed back a key starter to the practice field Thursday while another sat out as they moved closer to their Week 14 clash with Pittsburgh.
Inside linebacker C.J. Mosley (neck) was a full participant after sitting out the previous day, but wide receiver Jeremy Maclin (back) was absent after being a limited participant in Wednesday’s walk-through practice. It remains unclear when the back problem surfaced for the veteran, but he took a big hit to the midsection from Detroit defensive back Quandre Diggs in the third quarter of last Sunday’s win.
Maclin missed two games with a shoulder injury in October and has frequently worn a red non-contact vest over his practice jersey since then. Coming off their best offensive performance of the season, the Ravens can hardly afford to be without him as they face the league’s second-ranked pass defense.
Outside linebacker Za’Darius Smith was sidelined from practice for a second straight day with a shoulder injury.
The Steelers held out star wide receiver Antonio Brown (toe) from their workout after he wasn’t listed on Wednesday’s injury report. Brown was a major question mark to play against Cincinnati on Monday before ultimately catching eight passes for 101 yards and a touchdown.
Outside linebacker T.J. Watt was a limited participant with a knee issue on Thursday.
Pittsburgh announced injured inside linebacker Ryan Shazier underwent spinal stabilization surgery Wednesday night, a procedure making it clear that he won’t return to the field this season. Of course, all focus is rightly on his general health for the future with football being an afterthought for now.
Below is Thursday’s full injury report:
BALTIMORE
DID NOT PARTICIPATE: WR Jeremy Maclin (back), LB Za’Darius Smith (shoulder)
LIMITED PARTICIPATION: OL Jermaine Eluemunor (shoulder)
FULL PARTICIPATION: LB C.J. Mosley (neck)
PITTSBURGH
DID NOT PARTICIPATE: WR Antonio Brown (toe), CB Joe Haden (fibula), LB Tyler Matakevich (shoulder), LB Ryan Shazier (back)
LIMITED PARTICIPATION: LB T.J. Watt (knee)
FULL PARTICIPATION: TE Vance McDonald (ankle), S Mike Mitchell (ankle)
