OWINGS MILLS, Md. — As expected, the Ravens saw the return of two key cogs to their offensive and defensive lines as Eugene Monroe and Timmy Jernigan took part in the first practice of the week ahead of Saturday’s divisional round meeting with New England.
Head coach John Harbaugh said Monday he expected both players to return from injuries that kept them out of last Saturday’s wild-card win in Pittsburgh. Monroe (ankle) did not appear to be doing much during the portion of practice open to reporters while Jernigan (foot) and the defensive line only observed and stretched during the special-teams part of practice.
Monroe hasn’t played in a game since Week 16 as rookie free agent James Hurst has filled in at left tackle. The Ravens will evaluate how he progresses over the course of the week before making a decision on his availability against the Patriots.
With veteran defensive tackle Haloti Ngata back from suspension, Jernigan’s presence isn’t as critical, but his return would give the Baltimore defense another dangerous interior rusher to harass Patriots quarterback Tom Brady in the pocket.
Wide receiver Marlon Brown was the only player on the 53-man roster not present for Tuesday’s practice. The second-year wideout did not appear to suffer a significant injury in Pittsburgh in the process of catching one pass for nine yards in 13 offensive snaps.
With a couple inches of snow falling in Owings Mills Tuesday, the Ravens practiced on the turf field inside their field house.
