ExtremeRavens Posted August 25 Posted August 25 The Ravens’ season opener against the Buffalo Bills lingers less than two weeks away, and quarterback Lamar Jackson was back at practice Monday as expected after getting his foot stepped on and leaving early last week. Whether his former college teammate and new cornerback Jaire Alexander will also be ready for Week 1, however, is a little more murky. Alexander, who has been dealing with a knee injury, was again absent from practice on Monday afternoon in Owings Mills, marking more than two weeks since he has suited up. But coach John Harbaugh said that he expects Alexander, along with a number of others who have been banged up of late, to be back on the field next Monday. Baltimore has two more practices this week on Tuesday and Wednesday followed by four days off. Players will then return for the first full week of practice of the regular season. “He’s been working hard as far as all the non-football stuff,” Harbaugh said of Alexander, whom the Ravens signed to a one-year, $4 million contract after seven injury-riddled and at times controversial seasons with the Green Bay Packers. “He’s been chomping at the bit. He’s been trying to break out of prison. He’s been locked away in there.” Still, not returning to practice until Sept. 1 would give the two-time Pro Bowl selection just a week to ramp up for Bills quarterback and reigning NFL Most Valuable Player Josh Allen. That’s less than ideal for an offense that ranked second in the NFL in points per game (30.6) last season. Buffalo also ended Baltimore’s playoff run with a 27-25 victory at Highmark Stadium in the divisional round in January. The last time Alexander, who has been dealing with inflammation in his knee, according to Harbaugh, was on the practice field was Aug. 9. He did emerge on a side field for some light running last Thursday but was not in uniform for the Ravens’ preseason finale Saturday against the Commanders and was not seen at all during the 30 minutes of practice open to reporters Monday. When Alexander, 28, does come back, he’ll have some considerable rust to shake off after missing what has been nine straight practices. “Practice is important and he’s a veteran guy,” Harbaugh said. “He wants to practice, so when he gets out there I’m sure he’ll be going at it. But it’ll be our job, too, to monitor that as well to make sure that we do it right. “It’s a long season and we want to bring him back the right way.” Of course, it’s not the first time Alexander has been sidelined because of an injury. Injuries hampered cornerback Jaire Alexander's time with the Packers. Now with the Ravens, injuries are once again affecting Alexander's availability. (AP file) Over three of the past four seasons, he has missed significant time because of injuries. That included last year when he played in just seven games for the Packers because of quadriceps and knee injuries, the latter requiring surgery. This summer, he has only logged about two weeks worth of practices. Alexander missed practice on July 28 because of swelling in his knee and returned the next day but a little more than a week later was out again and hasn’t practiced since. He also wasn’t the only player not practicing Monday. Tight end Mark Andrews, fullback Pat Ricard and cornerback Chidobe Awuzie were in attendance but not in uniform and working out on a side field. Linebacker Jake Hummel was also not there after having to undergo a procedure on an earlier hand injury. All are expected back by next week, Harbaugh said. Tight end Isaiah Likely, who underwent surgery Aug. 1 to repair a broken bone in his right foot also did not practice but was on hand. Though he is not expected back by next week, he was also not wearing a boot or brace on his foot. Meanwhile, a few roster cuts ahead of Tuesday’s 4 p.m. deadline have already been made. One of them was undrafted rookie free agent offensive lineman Reid Holskey from Miami (Ohio), along with cornerback M.J. Devonshire and tight end Baylor Cupp. “It gets harder,” Harbaugh said of cutting players. “That’s a tough conversation. But then the guys are so grateful for the opportunity. … All I can do is give a big hug and give your phone number and say hey let’s keep in touch.” Have a news tip? Contact Brian Wacker at bwacker@baltsun.com, 410-332-6200 and x.com/brianwacker1. View the full article Quote
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