Eight Ravens Sit Out Wednesday
The Ravens are banged up coming out of their game against the Indianapolis Colts.
Eight players didn't practice Wednesday afternoon, including a few newcomers to the list.
Defensive end Chris Canty (wrist surgery), defensive tackle Timmy Jernigan (knee) and left tackle Eugene Monroe (knee) were no surprises.
But the Ravens also sat safety Matt Elam (shoulder), linebacker Daryl Smith (knee), center Jeremy Zuttah (ankle), wide receiver Marlon Brown (pelvis) and guard Kelechi Osemele (knee).
Osemele suffered a knee bruise in Sunday's game while trying to make a tackle on an interception return, which sent him momentarily hobbling to the sideline. He came back and finished out the game.
It's unknown why the other players didn't practice because they didn't sustain visible injuries in Indianapolis.
Elam has yet to miss a game during his two-year NFL career, and Smith played just about every snap last year. So they have fought through bumps and bruises to play before. Zuttah hasn't missed a start since 2011, when he sat out one game.
Franks Feels He's Ready To Go
Re-signed cornerback Dominique Franks spent the past month working out and spending time with family in Oklahoma.
He wasn't sure he would ever return as a Baltimore Raven after being cut at the end of training camp, but when cornerback Asa Jackson (toe) went down, Franks got the call.
Now he may have to jump into duty considering the Ravens only have four healthy cornerbacks: Jimmy Smith, Lardarius Webb, Chykie Brown and Franks.
After spending the summer with the Ravens, Franks feels like he'll be ready if called up.
"I'm already up to speed, at least the mental aspect," he said. "Nothing has changed since training camp. I remember everything, so now I can really focus on getting back into playing shape and doing a little extra conditioning after practice so if I do get my number called in the game, I'm ready."
Bucs' WR Evans Returns To Practice
Rookie first-round wide receiver Mike Evans returned to practice Wednesday on a limited basis after sitting out last week's game against New Orleans due to a groin injury.
Evans suffered the injury two weeks ago in Pittsburgh, and was originally expected to miss two-to-three weeks. His return to the field Wednesday doesn't mean he'll play, but it leaves the possibility open.
Evans is a 6-foot-5, 231-pounder who posted 17 catches for 203 yards and one touchdown in his first four games. He creates problems opposite fellow 6-foot-5 receiver Vincent Jackson.
Starting Bucs safety Dashon Goldson didn't play last week because of an ankle injury and was still out of practice on Wednesday. Jackson (rib), linebacker Jonathan Casillas (hamstring), cornerback Jonathan Banks (neck) and quarterback Josh McCown (right thumb) also didn't practice. McCown will be replaced by second-year quarterback Mike Glennon.
