OWINGS MILLS, Md. — As the Ravens made final preparations to play one of the most important regular-season games in franchise history, they received an encouraging sign with the return of Pro Bowl guard Marshal Yanda to the practice field on Friday.
Yanda sustained rib and thigh contusions in the 20-14 win over Cleveland on Christmas Eve and had been sidelined all week, missing practices on Wednesday and Thursday. The fifth-year lineman did not appear to be taking part in much activity during the open portion of practice, but Friday workouts are typically lighter ones anyway.
Safety Bernard Pollard also returned to practice a day after being out of action with an illness, joining defensive lineman Arthur Jones as Ravens players dealing with sickness this week.
And though he’s been ruled out for Sunday’s game in Cincinnati, wide receiver Anquan Boldin (knee) was on the field, playing catch and doing some light running only eight days after undergoing surgery to repair a partially-torn meniscus. At the day of the procedure, coach John Harbaugh offered a two-week prognosis for Boldin’s recovery time, so to see him on the field during practice on Friday was very encouraging.
A bye week would be even more helpful for the veteran receiver, however.
Cornerback Cary Williams (concussion), defensive end Cory Redding (ankle), and kicker Billy Cundiff (left calf) were all practicing for the third straight day. All three worked on a limited basis on Wednesday and Thursday and are considered likely candidates — with Cundiff likely being the biggest question mark — to play on Sunday.
Linebacker Dannell Ellerbe was not present during the portion of practice open to the media. He has missed the entire week of practice while still feeling the effects of a concussion suffered last Saturday.
Referee Tony Corrente and his crew will officiate Sunday’s game between the Ravens and Bengals in Cincinnati. Corrente has been undergoing cancer treatment, but he called last Saturday’s game between the Redskins and Vikings.
Sunday’s forecast in Cincinnati calls for a temperature right around 50 degrees with a 40 percent chance of precipitation at Paul Brown Stadium.
