Suggs, Jefferson enjoy a day of rest

Young embraces his role as primary nickel back — ‘that’s where all the plays are’

While the absence of outside linebacker

and strong safety from Saturday’s practice would seem alarming, Ravens coach

confirmed that they were both given the day off.

“A number of guys had a day off, and then the other guys, a few other guys have — as I said — minor things that they’re dealing with,” Harbaugh said.

Defensive back might be one of those players who also got the day off as he did not appear injured after Friday’s session.

Cornerbacks and rookie tight end outside linebacker guard running and offensive tackle did not practice Saturday. Canady appeared to injure his right hand after slapping away a pass from rookie quarterback to wide receiver during Friday’s session, but he finished the rest of practice. Bowser and Crecelius left Friday’s session, back but it is not clear what injuries are bothering them.

Dixon missed his second consecutive day after tweaking his hamstring Thursday. Andrews (muscle tissue), Jackson (undisclosed) and Senat (unspecified) have sat out multiple practices in a row.

Left guard returned to practice after being absent from Friday’s session.

Right guard wide receiver leg muscle), linebacker (ACL) and cornerback (right ACL, MCL) remain on the physically unable to perform list. Offensive line coach

said he has no timetable for when he would like to see Yanda, a six-time Pro Bowl player, be able to practice.

“There’s no [way] I control that,” D’Alessandris said. “That comes from the training room.” (shoulder), (upper Young finds fit: As pass-happy offenses in the NFL flourish, the importance of slot cornerbacks has grown exponentially. So there’s a certain level of satisfaction for

who has embraced his role as the Ravens’ primary nickel back.

“That’s where all the plays are,” he said Friday. “I just want to be on the field regardless of what I’m playing. I’m happy, and I’m excited for this season to be back with my teammates.”

Young, a fourth-round draft pick in 2016, had shown promise as a rookie when he finished with 53 tackles, eight pass breakups and two interceptions while making 11 starts. But his sophomore campaign was over before it began when he tore the ACL in his left knee during an offseason workout June 1, 2017.

Since his rookie season, Young has been projected as the leading candidate to be the slot cornerback. The position has become more valued as evidenced by the Miami Dolphins’ decision to make the highest-paid nickel back, signing him in June to a four-year, $27 million deal with $13 million guaranteed. But it pales in comparison to the five-year, $75 million contract with $50 million in guarantees that outside cornerback signed with the Washington Redskins in 2016.

Still, what Young appreciates about playing slot cornerback is that he gets to concentrate on one position, leaving the outside spots to teammates such as

and

“I get to focus on one technique,” he said, adding that he is in constant communication with the linebackers and safeties. “It’s different techniques from inside and outside. So when you’re going back and forth, you kind of lose focus a little bit. Not lose focus, but [the] technique changes. Now I’m just worried about the one technique in the slot.” More for Moore? The release of the team’s first depth chart listed the top three players at kick and punt returns as and rookies and

One name missing from that group is Moore, who led the team in kickoff returns (13) and total kick-return yardage (346) last season. While his speed makes him a valued member of the kick and punt coverage units, Moore said he would like to continue to contribute on returns.

“I love doing special teams,” he said Friday. “I feel like I make some big-impact plays on there. I want to continue, wherever I’m at, just continue to make plays. We’ll see where they’ve got me at, but I’ll keep working out there for sure.” Extra points: Harbaugh opened his postpractice news conference by paying tribute to a 15-year Army sergeant who died in his home in Essex at the age of 34 on July 6. “He served three combat tours in Iraq,” Harbaugh said. “His family reached out to us. He was an amazing Ravens fan. Our prayers are with [wife] and his two children, and our hearts go out to them, for sure.” … The back of Jimmy Smith’s No. 22 jersey read “Smith I” on Saturday. His son is also named