The Ravens got two key defenders back on the field Tuesday, as outside linebacker Tavius Robinson and safety Ar'Darius Washington returned to practice.
They'll begin ramping back up as the Ravens (6-6) head into a five-game December/January stretch that will determine whether they win the AFC North crown for a third straight year and reach the postseason.
Robinson, who has been designated for return and his 21-day window opened, has been sidelined since suffering a foot injury in the Ravens' Week 6 game against the Los Angeles Rams. He had never missed a game, or even a practice, to that point in his career.
A rugged defender against the run who had two sacks and 17 tackles in the Ravens' first six games this season, Robinson's return will strengthen Baltimore's defensive front.
His departure meant more snaps for rookie Mike Green and David Ojabo. The Ravens also traded for Dre'Mont Jones a few weeks after Robinson went down, and last week leaned on practice squad veteran Carl Lawson.
Washington was a critical part of Baltimore's defensive turnaround last season when he was inserted into the starting lineup. Even though the Ravens drafted safety Malaki Starks in the first round, Washington was still poised to play a big role in Baltimore's secondary this season before suffering an Achilles tear in May, which sent him to the Reserve/Physically Unable to Perform list.
His absence forced Kyle Hamilton to play in a more traditional role earlier this season and ultimately led to the Ravens trading for Alohi Gilman. That moved Hamilton back closer to the line of scrimmage, which has had a positive ripple effect on the rest of the defense.
Once Washington is ready to return to game action, he could see action at both safety and slot cornerback, where he has experience.
