The Ravens did not activate veteran nose tackle Michael Pierce ahead of Sunday’s clash with Philadelphia and its NFL-leading rushing attack.
Designated to return to practice from injured reserve earlier this week, Pierce was upgraded to full practice participation and listed as questionable on Friday’s injury report, which created optimism for a Week 13 return. However, head coach John Harbaugh acknowledged Baltimore would be smart with the 355-pound defensive lineman, who hasn’t played in a game since injuring his calf in the Week 8 loss at Cleveland. The Ravens will have their bye next week.
“That’s something in terms of how he’s feeling,” Harbaugh said Friday. “We’re going up against a big, physical offensive line. He’d be a great addition, but he’s got to be at his best too. He’s got to feel that [way].”
Rookie cornerback T.J. Tampa (ankle) also remains on IR for Week 13 despite being designated to return to practice on Thursday.
To add depth along the defensive line, the Ravens elevated veteran defensive lineman Chris Wormley from the practice squad. Linebacker William Kwenkeu was also elevated for Sunday’s game against the Eagles.
Baltimore placed tight end Charlie Kolar and cornerback Arthur Maulet on injured reserve, which will sideline both until at least the regular-season finale in Week 18. Kolar fractured his right forearm in last Monday’s win over Los Angeles while Maulet hasn’t played since injuring his calf in a practice leading up to the Week 11 loss at Pittsburgh. Considering the Ravens refrained from placing Maulet on IR ahead of the last two games, Saturday wasn’t an encouraging development for his status as the 31-year-old slot corner has dealt with multiple injuries since the start of training camp and will now miss at least four more games.
In 12 games this season, Kolar has registered nine catches for 131 yards and a touchdown while primarily serving as a run blocker.
On Saturday, the Eagles signed wide receiver Parris Campbell to the 53-man roster, elevated tight end C.J. Uzomah and linebacker Ochaun Mathis from the practice squad for Sunday’s game, and placed linebacker Ben VanSumeren on IR. Wide receiver Johnny Wilson (hamstring) was also downgraded from questionable to out.
Philadelphia wide receiver DeVonta Smith (hamstring) remains questionable to play against the Ravens after practicing on a limited basis Thursday and Friday.
