OWINGS MILLS, Md. — The discussion ahead of Sunday’s home opener has centered around slowing Miami’s Cover 0 defense, but the Ravens may need the return of Marcus Peters to help their suddenly ailing secondary.
Having already lost veteran cornerback Kyle Fuller to a torn ACL late in the Week 1 win over the New York Jets, Baltimore practiced Thursday without second-year corner Brandon Stephens, who was listed as limited with a quadriceps issue on Wednesday. It’s unclear whether the injury occurred during practice or last Sunday’s game, but Stephens’ participation level moving in the wrong direction is a concern as the Ravens prepare for the explosive wide receiver duo of Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle. Fuller and Stephens combined to play 138 defensive snaps in Week 1.
Making matters worse, top cornerback and two-time Pro Bowl selection Marlon Humphrey was added to Thursday’s injury report as a limited participant because of a groin issue.
It’s just the latest reminder that you can never have too many corners, a painful reality the Ravens have lived too many times in recent years.
However, impact help could be on the way as Peters (knee) was upgraded to full participation for the first time since returning to practice on Aug. 15 from last year’s ACL injury. The three-time Pro Bowl selection making his season debut would be encouraging for the secondary, but it’s unclear whether he’d be ready to play 100% of the snaps right away and Stephens projects to serve as the No. 3 cornerback after serving in that capacity behind Humphrey and Fuller last week.
The only other cornerbacks on the 53-man roster are fourth-round rookies Damarion Williams and Jalyn Armour-Davis, who played sparingly in the opener. The Ravens have veteran cornerbacks Daryl Worley, T.J. Carrie, and Kevon Seymour on their practice squad.
Running back J.K. Dobbins (knee) practiced fully for a second straight day as he aims to make his return to game action after not being ready for Week 1.
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“I feel like he’s getting better every day. I’m not exactly sure when he’s going to be out there,” offensive coordinator Greg Roman said after Thursday’s practice. “I love the progress that he’s making though. He’s going to be out here pretty soon.”
For the second straight week, left tackle Ronnie Stanley (ankle) was a non-participant on Thursday, which doesn’t bode well for his Week 2 availability. Should Stanley not make his season debut, Patrick Mekari is expected to start at left tackle after he replaced the injured Ja’Wuan James last week. The versatile Mekari has never started a game at left tackle in his four-year NFL career.
Fullback Patrick Ricard missed a second straight day of practice due to a calf issue while tight end Nick Boyle received a veteran day off on Thursday. Wide receiver James Proche (groin) was also absent after being listed as limited on Wednesday.
Defensive tackle Travis Jones (knee) was upgraded to full participation Thursday with defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald indicating he’s “ready to roll.” The rookie was one of the bright spots of training camp before hurting his knee in the second preseason game on Aug. 21 and would add even more upside to a defensive line that dominated the Jets last Sunday.
Meanwhile, the Dolphins welcomed left tackle Terron Armstead (toe) back to practice, which should all but eliminate any questions regarding his Week 2 status.
Below is Thursday’s full injury report:
BALTIMORE
DID NOT PARTICIPATE: TE Nick Boyle (rest), WR James Proche (groin), FB Patrick Ricard (calf), OT Ronnie Stanley (ankle), CB Brandon Stephens (quad)
LIMITED PARTICIPATION: CB Marlon Humphrey (groin)
FULL PARTICIPATION: RB J.K. Dobbins (knee), DT Travis Jones (knee), CB Marcus Peters (knee)
MIAMI
DID NOT PARTICIPATE: TE Cethan Carter (concussion), OT Austin Jackson (ankle)
LIMITED PARTICIPATION: RB Salvon Ahmed (heel), OT Terron Armstead (toe), TE Tanner Conner (knee), CB Xavien Howard (rest), S Brandon Jones (hip), S Eric Rowe (pectoral), DT Christian Wilkins (back), WR Cedrick Wilson Jr. (toe)
FULL PARTICIPATION: OT Greg Little (ankle)
