News

LT Monroe Sits Out Wednesday

Left tackle Eugene Monroe did not practice Wednesday, the first day of on-field preparations for the Raiders, leaving a question of how much protection Joe Flacco will have in Week 2.

Monroe suffered a concussion on the first drive of Sunday’s game in Denver and did not return.

There has not been an update given on Monroe’s status since the injury, but concussions can range in severity and time missed as a result.

The Ravens need all the help they can get at tackle as it was an area where they struggled in the season-opening game against the Broncos. Although the Broncos only notched two sacks, they got consistent pressure off the edges to disrupt Baltimore’s aerial attack.

The Raiders have a 4-3 defense, but can get similar pressure with defensive ends Khalil Mack, Justin Tuck and newly-added Aldon Smith.

If Monroe isn’t able to suit up Sunday, Baltimore would likely start James Hurst outside again.

RB Taliaferro Practices Again

It appears that backup running back Lorenzo Taliaferro could return to the field in Week 2.

Taliaferro (knee) practiced on a limited basis last Friday and was back on the field as a full participant Monday. He hasn’t played since the second preseason game in Philadelphia.

After Sunday’s loss, Taliaferro tweeted that he couldn’t wait to get on the field with his teammates in Oakland, drawing the ire of Head Coach John Harbaugh, who joked with reporters about beginning team Twitter fines.

Baltimore will welcome the hard-nosed, big-bodied runner back after having a tough time getting the ground game going in Denver. The Ravens averaged just 3.2 yards per carry, gaining 73 yards on 23 carries.

DT Jernigan Returns As Full Participant

Defensive tackle Timmy Jernigan was limited in practice last Thursday and Friday, but was held out of Week 1 action.

He was a full participant Wednesday in San Jose, a good sign that he’ll make his 2015 regular-season debut in Oakland.

Jernigan injured his knee early in the third preseason game against Washington. He’s had some knee troubles already in his young career, which have forced him out of game action.

Jernigan could slide back into the starting lineup, replacing Lawrence Guy, if he’s full-go come Sunday, giving the Ravens a bounty of depth along the defensive line and helping to counteract the loss of outside linebacker Terrell Suggs.

CB Melvin On The Mend

Cornerback Rashaan Melvin once again practiced on a limited basis Wednesday after being a limited participant by the end of last week. It’s still unclear whether he could add more depth to Baltimore’s stingy secondary.

Melvin has been bothered by a thigh injury and did not practice at all last Wednesday or Thursday.

His absence last Sunday meant the Ravens had just four active cornerbacks with Jimmy Smith, Lardarius Smith, Kyle Arrington and rookie fourth-round pick Tray Walker.

WR Perriman Still Not Practicing

Wide receiver Breshad Perriman is still watching practice in a T-shirt and shorts from the sideline.

Perriman, who has been out since the first day of training camp, has been working with trainers to rehabilitate his knee, but there has been no recent update on his status from Harbaugh.