Four days after suffering a bruised left shoulder that knocked him out of the Ravens' preseason finale against the Atlanta Falcons, rookie quarterback Tyrod Taylor returned to practice Monday, and the team's sixth-round pick vowed to be available for Sunday's season opener against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
"Oh yeah, I'll be available on Sunday," he said. "I think the way that I practiced today, it didn't slow me down, and it didn't stop me from doing anything. I'm going to continue to go out there and learn each and every day and be the backup. I'll be ready for Sunday."
Taylor injured the shoulder during the offense's second series against Atlanta when he absorbed a hit from defensive end Kroy Biermann after completing a seven-yard pass to rookie wide receiver Tandon Doss.Taylor said the soreness – while present – has reduced in intensity, and he moved his left arm, demonstrating improved range of motion.
"It feels a whole lot better than it did yesterday," he said. "I think it's improving at a fast rate. I just have to continue to do my treatment and see if I can get healthy."
Taylor said if he does suit up against Pittsburgh, he won't be concerned whether his shoulder can take a hit.
"You can't play worried about an injury," he said. "That's when things start happening. Of course, you have to be cautious. Maybe put on an extra pad if you need it. But from there, I'm just going to play. If I get the opportunity, I'm going to go out there and play."
