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OWINGS MILLS, Md. — Ravens defensive tackle Haloti Ngata returned to the practice field Tuesday after being excused the previous two days to deal with a family matter.
However, the Ravens were still dealing with the absence of starting defensive end Arthur Jones and rush specialist Pernell McPhee during their final workout of the week open for media viewing. McPhee has experienced knee soreness for the better part of a week while the reason for Jones’ absence was partially explained by coach John Harbaugh after Tuesday’s practice.
“Art had an issue — it’s not football-related,” Harbaugh said. “I’m going to leave it to Art to explain what it was, but it was more of a personal health thing that’s not serious. But we just held him back this week.”
Others missing from the practice field on Tuesday included wide receiver Deonte Thompson (foot), offensive lineman Ryan Jensen (foot), and tight end Dennis Pitta (hip).
Backup quarterback Tyrod Taylor (concussion) was practicing once again and appeared to be moving closer to being available to play in Thursday’s preseason finale if the Ravens don’t elect to simply go with third-string quarterback Caleb Hanie and the newly-signed Dayne Crist. Harbaugh said that starting quarterback Joe Flacco will be held out against the Rams but wouldn’t rule out Taylor receiving playing time.
“I know he’s passed the physical balance part of [the concussion test],” Harbaugh said. “We’re waiting for the test result on the other part of it. I haven’t heard anything negative on that. I just haven’t heard yet. As soon as he passes the test, he’s cleared to play. We do not anticipate that being a problem and we haven’t. If it is, then that would be a little surprising.”
Inside linebacker Jameel McClain (neck) and defensive end Kapron Lewis-Moore (knee) were moved to the reserve physically unable to perform and reserve non-football injury lists respectively prior to Tuesday’s practice.
The Ravens will hold a walk-through that’s closed to the media on Wednesday before departing for St. Louis where they’ll play their preseason finale on Thursday night. Most starters aren’t expected to play against the Rams as their attention has already shifted toward the regular-season opener against the Denver Broncos on Sept. 5.
