It was a welcome sight for teammates and coaches alike as inside linebacker Ray Lewis made his much-awaited return to the practice field on Wednesday as the Ravens began preparations for their Sunday night battle with the San Diego Chargers.
The 36-year-old veteran worked on a limited basis after missing the last four games with a turf toe injury. Many had speculated that Lewis would make his return in Week 15, and the 12-time Pro Bowl defensive player appears slated to do so in a nationally-televised game.
Veteran cornerback Chris Carr also made his return to the practice field in an encouraging sign as the Ravens deal with the possibility of being without their top cornerback Lardarius Webb, who did not participate and was officially listed with the toe injury that was initially reported by several outlets on Monday afternoon. Rookie Jimmy Smith would start in Webb’s place should he be unavailable against the Chargers.
Several veterans were missing from Wednesday’s workout as kicker Billy Cundiff continues to deal with a left calf injury and defensive lineman Haloti Ngata and Cory Redding were absent from the field on Wednesday. It is unknown whether Ngata and Redding were simply receiving the afternoon off as coach John Harbaugh suggested the possibility of resting some veterans during practice earlier in the week.
Left guard Ben Grubbs was also listed as a non-participate during Wednesday’s practice, but the starter was present on the field with the rest of the offensive line.
On the opposite side, San Diego was without its starting inside linebackers as veteran Takeo Spikes and Donald Butler were absent on Wednesday.
BALTIMORE
DID NOT PARTICIPATE: K Billy Cundiff (left calf), G Ben Grubbs (toe), DT Haloti Ngata (back), DT Cory Redding (ankle), CB Lardarius Webb (toe)
LIMITED PARTICIPATION: CB Chris Carr (back), LB Ray Lewis (foot)
FULL PARTICIPATION: RB Anthony Allen (thigh)
SAN DIEGO
DID NOT PARTICIPATE: C Colin Baxter (ankle), LB Donald Butler (foot), DE Jacques Cesaire (ankle), LB Takeo Spikes (back), S Darrell Stuckey (groin)
