Michael Pierce was the only Ravens player who missed practice Saturday, and it sounds like he will miss Monday night's game as well.
Baltimore's defensive tackle is doubtful for Monday's matchup against the Los Angeles Rams due to his ankle injury suffered Nov. 10 against the Cincinnati Bengals. Pierce didn't play against the Houston Texans last week, missing his first game of the season. He returned to practice on a limited basis Thursday, but did not practice Friday or Saturday and Head Coach John Harbaugh said the odds were against Pierce playing in Los Angeles.
"I don't think Pierce will make it," Harbaugh said. "We'll see. He didn't practice too much. He practiced a little bit on Thursday. If we need him and he can go, he would, but I don't foresee that right now, just without the practice."
Controlling Rams running back Todd Gurley will be a high priority for the Ravens on Monday night, and Pierce is a strong run defender. However, Harbaugh said the presence of veteran defensive tackles Domata Peko and Justin Ellis, who both joined the team last week, makes it unnecessary to rush Pierce back onto the field. Peko played 22 snaps and Ellis played 21 snaps during Baltimore's 41-7 victory over the Texans. With another week of practice under their belts, Peko and Ellis have even more familiarity with the Ravens' defensive system. Pro Bowl defensive tackle Brandon Williams is playing some of the best football of his career, and defensive end Jihad Ward has been a solid addition since signing as a free agent Week 6. Ward led the defensive line in snaps (34) against Houston.
"That gives us an opportunity not to push Michael out there unless he's really ready to go," Harbaugh said. "Because those guys played so well and they practiced well and they're ready to go."
Ronnie Stanley Participates Fully in Practice
Starting left tackle Ronnie Stanley (ankle) returned to full participation in Saturday's practice after being limited Friday. Stanley is listed as questionable, but he has not missed a game all season. Stanley has emerged this season as one of the NFL's best left tackles and could be headed for his first Pro Bowl.
Also listed as questionable were wide receiver Chris Moore (thumb) and guard Ben Powers (thumb), but both will full participants Saturday.
Rams' Starting Right Tackle Ruled Out
Rams right tackle Rob Havenstein (knee) has been ruled out for Sunday's game. Defensive back Darious Williams (ankle) is also out.
Rams wide receiver Robert Woods returned to practice after sitting out for personal reasons and "looked good," per Head Coach Sean McVay, but McVay didn't say he's a definite to play.
The Rams will get wide receiver Brandin Cooks back on the field. He's not on the final injury report designations.
