OWINGS MILLS, Md. — Already preparing to play the 2015 season without safety Matt Elam, Ravens head coach John Harbaugh isn’t taking any chances with early-camp injuries to several players.
Elvis Dumervil headlines a list of players dealing with minor ailments as the outside linebacker has been sidelined for three straight days with tendinitis in his Achilles tendon. The Ravens want to make sure the issue doesn’t linger as they’re still more than five weeks away from the start of the regular season.
“Dumervil has a tendinitis issue that we’re not even [going] to mess with,” Harbaugh said following Sunday’s practice. “He’ll be fine soon, but it won’t be until he’s 100 percent that we bring him back for practice. And I don’t think it will be more than a week, but then again, I’ve said [a time frame] before, and it’s not right. But I don’t think it will be long.”
Rookie wide receiver Breshad Perriman remained sidelined on Sunday while continuing to deal with a minor knee injury. Initially labeled a “bruise” by Harbaugh, the 26th overall pick’s knee sprain isn’t expected to keep him out for long, but he hasn’t practiced since Thursday while fellow receiver Kamar Aiken has taken advantage of more reps with the starting offense.
Cornerbacks Rashaan Melvin and Tray Walker are both dealing with hamstring strains as the former did not practice on Sunday. Walker, the Ravens’ fourth-round pick this year, left Sunday’s practice after pulling up lame.
“Whenever a guy gets a hamstring, right now, we’re pretty much getting them out of there,” Harbaugh said. “We don’t want it to go.”
Wide receiver Marlon Brown (back) and linebacker Andrew Bose (undisclosed) both participated in Sunday’s practice after sitting out the previous day.
Harbaugh gave a number of veteran players the day off on Sunday, including wide receiver Steve Smith, running back Justin Forsett, guards Marshal Yanda and Kelechi Osemele, linebackers Daryl Smith and Terrell Suggs, and defensive end Chris Canty.
Tight end Dennis Pitta (hip), safety Terrence Brooks (knee), and defensive tackle Casey Walker (knee) remain on the active physically unable to perform list.
The Ravens will return to M&T Bank Stadium on Monday night for the first time since December to hold an open and free practice for fans to attend. The workout will give rookies an early experience in an NFL stadium before the preseason opener against New Orleans on Aug. 13.
“I just think it’s a real plus to put them in that environment, a different environment,” Harbaugh said. “When it comes time to play the Saints, they’ll at least have been there before. Plus, it’s great for the fans.”
