Harbaugh hopes Jefferson, Humphrey can play against Bucs
Ravens safety Tony Jefferson practiced for a second straight day Friday, and coach John Harbaugh said that if it were up to him, Jefferson would play Sunday against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
“I thought he did well,” Harbaugh said. “We'll have to see what the trainers say, but I thought he did well.”
Jefferson has missed the past two games because of a left ankle sprain, but has moved noticeably better this week.
Cornerback Marlon Humphrey also practiced Friday after missing the previous two days because of a lingering groin injury, which limited him to 44 snaps Sunday against the Kansas City Chiefs. Humphrey practiced just once last week, as well.
“He's just trying to get this strong and make sure it's right,” Harbaugh said. “We'll have to watch the tape and talk to [head athletic trainer] Ron [Medlin] and Marlon, of course, to see how he looked and how he felt.”
Jefferson and Humphrey were listed as questionable on the team's injury report Friday. The Ravens could use both against a deep Buccaneers receiving corps, though Tampa Bay has ruled out its top deep threat, DeSean Jackson, because of a thumb injury.
Guard Alex Lewis, who missed Sunday's game and practice Thursday and Friday with a shoulder injury, is doubtful.
Newly demoted quarterback Joe Flacco (right hip), whom Harbaugh said he expects to be part of Sunday's game plan, is questionable despite fully practicing throughout the week. Linebacker-defensive back Anthony Levine Sr. (ankle), outside linebacker Tim Williams (ankle) and cornerback Tavon Young (groin) also were full participants Friday and are questionable.
In addition to Jackson, Buccaneers starting safety Justin Evans will miss Sunday's game in Baltimore. Defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul, middle linebacker Adarius Taylor, cornerback Carlton Davis and right guard Demar Dotson, all starters, are questionable.
A. Lewis trying to avoid surgery:
Lewis said the neck stinger he suffered two months ago in a Week 6 win over the Tennessee Titans has contributed to the left shoulder injury that sidelined him Sunday in Kansas City.
Lewis said Wednesday that the week off helped reduce the swelling and improved his shoulder's strength and range of motion, but he acknowledged he might have to eventually undergo surgery for a full recovery.
“That's going to be something that we're going to have to decide at the end of the season,” he said. “If it keeps limiting me from working out and performing, then certainly surgery is an option. But if we can strengthen it and build around it, we should be all right.”