OWINGS MILLS, Md. — The Ravens are healthy going into their season opener against Miami, but Friday brought a twist to their injury report.
Rookie wide receiver Marquise Brown didn’t take part in the week’s final practice, raising some concern about his surgically-repaired left foot that continues to be managed carefully. The first-round pick from Oklahoma was added to Thursday’s injury report despite being listed as a full participant. Since his practice debut on July 31, Brown has received occasional practices off in his recovery from a Lisfranc injury originally sustained in the Big 12 championship game on Dec. 1.
Having described Brown as “full-go” physically at the start of the week, head coach John Harbaugh said he didn’t suffer a setback and would play against the Dolphins despite being listed as questionable on the final injury report. The extent of his Week 1 involvement is unclear after the 5-foot-9, 170-pound speedster missed so much practice time in the spring and at the start of training camp and played only 19 offensive snaps in the preseason — none of them with starting quarterback Lamar Jackson.
“He’s doing well. Really, it’s everybody getting those first plays in, getting those first hits in, et cetera,” offensive coordinator Greg Roman said Thursday. “It was good that he got a little time in the preseason, but certainly, you don’t get the sense at all that it’s going to be too big for him. He definitely belongs.”
The Ravens also listed cornerbacks Brandon Carr (hip) and Cyrus Jones (finger) and defensive tackle/fullback Patrick Ricard (foot) as questionable after all practiced fully Friday, leaving very little doubt about their availability. Carr was limited in Wednesday’s practice, but Sunday will mark his 177th consecutive regular-season game — all of them starts.
Not listed on this week’s injury report was quarterback Robert Griffin III, who didn’t play in the preseason while recovering from a fracture in his right thumb. Griffin continued to practice on a limited basis all summer and will back up Jackson against the Dolphins.
“I’m ready to go. I’m excited. Really, in my role, no one wants to see me go out there,” said Griffin as he laughed. “And I’m not rooting for anything to happen to anybody. My job is to help L.J., help him lead this team, and if called upon, be ready to roll.”
With Griffin fully cleared to play, rookie quarterback Trace McSorley will likely be inactive as the third quarterback. Temperatures in Miami are expected to near 90 degrees Sunday afternoon, which could prompt the Ravens to activate an extra lineman or two on either side of the ball.
Picking among 53 healthy players is always a good problem to have — even in Week 1.
“You’ve got to put seven guys down, so we’ll just do it based on versatility and game plan really,” Harbaugh said. “I don’t feel like there’s anybody that we wouldn’t want up. There’s nobody that couldn’t play and contribute. All 53 guys could play for us, so we’ll just have to take the 46 that help us the most this week.”
Running back Kenneth Dixon (knee) was waived from injured reserve with an injury settlement Friday. Harbaugh confirmed earlier this week that Dixon would be “moving on” from the organization.
For the Dolphins, starting wide receiver Albert Wilson was designated as questionable after being limited in practices all week with a hip injury originally suffered last season. Starting safety Bobby McCain (shoulder) is also questionable after being limited throughout the week.
Below is the final injury report of the week:
BALTIMORE
QUESTIONABLE: Marquise Brown (foot), CB Brandon Carr (hip), CB Cyrus Jones (finger), FB/DL Patrick Ricard (foot)
MIAMI
QUESTIONABLE: CB Johnson Bademosi (hip), DE Charles Harris (wrist), LB Trent Harris (foot), G Danny Isidora (hamstring), S Bobby McCain (shoulder), WR Albert Wilson (hip)
