Breshad Perriman, Timmy Jernigan, Jimmy Smith among nine Ravens not playing Thursday

First-round NFL draft pick Breshad Perriman and top cornerback Jimmy Smith headlined a group of absentees for the Ravens' preseason opener against the New Orleans Saints Thursday.

Perriman landed on his knee late in the team's first training camp practice and suffered what coach John Harbaugh has called a "bruise/sprain" to a tendon. He hasn't practiced since.

Also missing from the Ravens' crowded wide receiver competition was receiver Marlon Brown, who missed a week of camp with back and hamstring issues and returned on Monday to be a limited participant for the final two days of practice before the game.

Smith, who suffered a season-ending foot injury last year against Cincinnati in Week 8, has been eased back into action during camp and didn't suit up Thursday.

Timmy Jernigan, the team's projected starting defensive tackle with Haloti Ngata traded to Detroit in the offseason, hasn't practiced since Saturday with a foot injury and wasn't in uniform Thursday. Defensive end DeAngelo Tyson, who hasn't practiced since last Thursday, missed the game with an elbow strain.

Veteran defensive end Chris Canty also didn't suit up, giving the Ravens six active defensive linemen.

Neither John Urschel nor Robert Myers were in uniform, as both suffered concussions last Thursday and haven't practiced since.

Outside linebacker Zach Thompson, who missed nearly a week with an undisclosed injury but has been back this week, also didn't dress.

jmeoli@baltsun.com

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