Marshal Yanda returned to practice Friday on a limited basis – an encouraging sign that his rib and thigh bruises are improving. But the Ravens right guard said any prediction that he might be able to start Sunday against the Cincinnati Bengals is a bit premature.
“We’ll see what happens,” Yanda said after practice. “We’ve got 48 hours yet, but we’ll see what happens. I felt OK out there today, so we’ll see what happens come Sunday. Still don’t know yet. We’ll see.”
The team listed Yanda as doubtful in its final injury report of the week, and coach John Harbaugh was equally unsure about Yanda’s availability.
“Marshal got out early and did some things,” Harbaugh said while discussing the status of several injured players. “So we’ll just have to see how that progresses.
Yanda said his breathing – which was impacted by the bruised ribs – has improved, but the ribs are still sore. But he said it was important for him to participate in Friday’s session.
“If I wanted to give myself a legitimate shot of even thinking about playing Sunday, I felt like I had to at least do a little bit today and see how it felt,” he said. “Last time, opportunity to get some reps and see how it felt.”
The Ravens could rest Yanda with an eye towards giving him another week to heal, but he said that’s not part of his approach.
“No, I’m not thinking about that,” Yanda said. “I’m just thinking like another week. If I was good enough to go, I’d play. So we’ll see how it goes come Sunday.”