OWINGS MILLS, Md. — Ravens wide receiver Marquise Brown didn’t practice Thursday as he continues to receive occasional rest for the residual effects of a right ankle injury that sidelined him for two games prior to the Week 8 bye.
After not practicing on each of the last two Fridays before playing in that week’s game, Brown not taking part Thursday does break the recent pattern of managing his workload, making his status worth monitoring for the week’s final practice. However, the rookie first-round pick was present for the morning walk-through and even lingered on the indoor field to throw some passes at the goalpost, not looking like a player in danger of missing Sunday’s game against Houston.
Meanwhile, defensive tackle Michael Pierce (right ankle) missed his second straight practice and is looking less likely to play against the Texans. Defensive coordinator Wink Martindale offered high praise to general manager Eric DeCosta for the acquisitions of veteran defensive tackles Domata Peko and Justin Ellis earlier this week.
“Eric should get Executive of the Year with as much help as he’s given us,” said Martindale of the most recent of several in-season additions made to the Baltimore defense. “I know [late Ravens defensive line coach Clarence Brooks] is looking down happy as heck for us because we have two run-stoppers we just brought in here. As far as how fast we can put them in there right away, we’ll see. But that’s really going to be a good addition. I know [Brandon Williams] wishes that they were there for Cincinnati.”
Williams received a veteran day off from Thursday’s practice, which was deserving after the veteran defensive tackle played a season-high 57 defensive snaps against the Bengals.
Safety Earl Thomas (knee) was a full participant after sitting out Wednesday.
Two days after rookie cornerback Iman Marshall was officially activated from injured reserve, the Ravens used their second and final designation to return from IR on veteran safety Brynden Trawick, who practiced for the first time since being placed on IR with an elbow injury on Oct. 3. The 2017 Pro Bowl special-teams player won’t be eligible to return to action until the Dec. 8 game at Buffalo.
“I’m fired up about that because he makes us better,” special teams coach Chris Horton said. “We’ve taken a hit over the past couple weeks, but just getting some guys back [and] a player like him and his style — he makes us better.”
No other Baltimore player currently on IR will be eligible to return this season.
The Texans’ injury report from Wednesday remained unchanged with six players listed as limited participants coming off their bye week.
Below is Thursday’s full injury report:
BALTIMORE
DID NOT PARTICIPATE: WR Marquise Brown (ankle), DT Michael Pierce (ankle), DT Brandon Williams (non-injury)
LIMITED PARTICIPATION: WR Chris Moore (thumb)
FULL PARTICIPATION: CB Brandon Carr (non-injury), RB Mark Ingram (non-injury), CB Jimmy Smith (non-injury), Earl Thomas (knee)
HOUSTON
LIMITED PARTICIPATION: LB Dylan Cole (knee), WR Will Fuller (hamstring), S Tashaun Gipson (back/wrist), OL Tytus Howard (knee), CB Bradley Roby (hamstring), OT Laremy Tunsil (shoulder)
