OWINGS MILLS, Md. — Taking the practice field for the second straight day without helmets or pads, it’s becoming more apparent the Ravens are using their short week to prepare mentally while taking as much time as they can to recover physically less than 48 hours removed from their 31-24 win over the Cincinnati Bengals.
Fortunately for them, the San Francisco 49ers find themselves in a similar position, only they have to travel across the country on Wednesday in time for the Thanksgiving night game on national television. However, the Ravens are embracing the opportunity to play on Thanksgiving for the first time in the 16-year history of the franchise.
“It’d be hard to do this every week,” coach John Harbaugh said following Monday’s practice. ” I’m sure it would be impossible, actually. But, I think we can do it in a week. Teams do it. Every now and then, they give you a Thursday game and they give you a short week, and I think it’s kind of exciting. It’s a little bit different. It’s more condensed, and you have to go to work both as far as taking care of yourself physically and the mental part of it. And you pack a lot more information into a lot fewer days.”
While it was again difficult to take away much from the viewing portion of Tuesday’s light practice, cornerback Chris Carr (back) and defensive tackle Arthur Jones (concussion) were not present. Carr told reporters he believes he’ll be ready to play on Thursday night prior to Tuesday afternoon’s workout. The defensive back says he has dealt with nagging back issues at a few different points over the last few seasons.
Both Carr and Jones were listed as non-participants on Monday’s injury report.
Inside linebacker Ray Lewis was seen walking to the field as the open portion of practice came to an end. He was holding his No. 52 practice jersey by his side and looked as though he would be taking part in the workout in some capacity. Lewis was listed as limited for Monday’s practice, but the designation is open for debate over how involved the injured veteran really was.
The 36-year-old All Pro did not speak with the media at the podium as he normally does every, but he released a statement regarding his status for Thursday night.
“Anytime you see your team on the field, you always want to be out there with them,” Lewis said. “As the leader of your team, it doesn’t sit well with me to be on the sidelines. But I was the biggest cheerleader out there on Sunday, and I was truly proud of the way we played as a team. I am doing everything in my power to get back as fast as I can, whether that’s this week, next week or whenever it is. I am doing everything I can to be out there with my team. I want to play Thursday night, and I am making some progress.”
