OWINGS MILLS, Md. — Finishing a week of practice before traveling to San Diego for Sunday’s game against the Chargers, the Ravens turned in a favorable final injury report.
Defensive end Pernell McPhee is listed as questionable after practicing on a limited basis all week while veteran cornerback Chris Johnson was labeled as doubtful after missing practice for the third straight day with a hamstring injury.
Listed as probable, Dennis Pitta is expected to play against the Chargers after he passed a baseline neurological test on Friday, which cleared him for contact. The third-year tight end practiced on a limited basis all week.
Coach John Harbaugh was encouraged to see McPhee, Pitta, and nose tackle Terrence Cody practice all week but would not offer much on their respective statuses for Sunday prior to the release of Friday’s injury report.
“I feel confident that they have a chance to play,” Harbaugh said.
Pitta left in the first quarter of last Sunday’s game against the Steelers after sustaining a big hit from the combination of linebacker Lawrence Timmons and safety Ryan Clark. He also temporarily left the game the week before after taking another hit against the Oakland Raiders before returning to action later that day.
“It’s nothing that you can worry about, because it’s part of the risk of playing football,” Pitta said. “I’ve taken a couple big hits the last couple weeks and had they been worse, I might be a little bit more concerned about it. I felt good all week and really have no issues.”
McPhee hasn’t played since the Ravens’ 43-13 loss in Houston in Week 7 as he’s rested knee and thigh injuries. The second-year defensive end practiced two days on a limited basis last week, but Harbaugh said earlier this week it was never realistic for McPhee to play in Pittsburgh.
The defensive lineman declared himself close to 100 percent last week before missing his third straight game.
“I feel like I could go out and compete, but it’s all [Harbaugh’s] decision,” McPhee said. “He’s going to make the best decision. He knows where I’m at and he knows the right decision to make. I feel better about my chances.”
Meanwhile, the Chargers have ruled out linebacker Larry English, wide receiver Eddie Royal, and former Ravens offensive tackle Jared Gaither for Sunday’s game.
Hampered by a groin injury that’s limited him to just four games this season, Gaither was placed on injured reserve on Friday.
Former Ravens defensive tackle Aubrayo Franklin was listed as questionable with a knee injury.
BALTIMORE
OUT: CB Jimmy Smith (abs)
DOUBTFUL: CB Chris Johnson (thigh)
QUESTIONABLE: DE Pernell McPhee (thigh)
PROBABLE: LB Brendon Ayanbadejo (shoulder), NT Terrence Cody (arm), TE Ed Dickson (neck), LB Dannell Ellerbe (toe/finger), S James Ihedigbo (neck), WR/RS Jacoby Jones (ankle), DT Haloti Ngata (shoulder), TE Dennis Pitta (head), S Bernard Pollard (chest), S Ed Reed (shoulder), LB Terrell Suggs (shoulder/ankle), OLB Courtney Upshaw (shoulder), G Marshal Yanda (ankle)
SAN DIEGO
OUT: LB Larry English (calf), T Jared Gaither (groin)*, WR Eddie Royal (hamstring)
DOUBTFUL: G Tyronne Green (hamstring), TE Dante Rosario (hamstring)
QUESTIONABLE: DT Aubrayo Franklin (knee)
PROBABLE: S Atari Bigby (shoulder), P Mike Scifres (right ankle), G Louis Vasquez (ankle)
