Ravens Insider: Ravens CB Jaire Alexander returns to practice ahead of opener against Bills

[ExtremeRavens]

The Ravens enter the season mostly healthy, as only two starters missed practice Wednesday in the lead-up to Sunday night’s season opener against the Buffalo Bills.

Fullback Patrick Ricard (calf) and tight end Isaiah Likely (foot) were absent, while cornerback Jaire Alexander returned to the field after not practicing for over a month. Alexander (knee) last practiced Aug. 9 and looked healthy Wednesday, as he appeared to not be wearing a brace or wrap on his knee.

The 28-year-old two-time Pro Bowl selection participated in some drills and worked off to the side in others. Coach John Harbaugh said that the Ravens will “see how it goes this week” when asked about Alexander’s availability for Sunday.

Right guard Daniel Faalele was also limited Wednesday with an illness but is expected to play Sunday.

Likely is not expected to play in Week 1 after having surgery to fix a small fracture in his foot last month. His initial timetable of a six-week recovery would hypothetically hold him out of the season opener. Harbaugh did not comment on Likely’s status Monday but said Wednesday that the 25-year-old is a little ahead of schedule.

The Bills, meanwhile, could be missing several key contributors. While cornerback Christian Benford returned to practice Wednesday after being held out with an undisclosed issue, cornerback Tre’Davious White missed another practice. Benford, a Baltimore native, had 64 tackles, two interceptions, a forced fumble and 10 passes defended last season and was rated among the best cornerbacks in football. White, the 30-year-old former All-Pro who was acquired by the Ravens last season in a trade with the Los Angeles Rams, was expected to start opposite Benford.

Bills rookie cornerback Maxwell Hairston was placed on injured reserve, meaning he’ll miss Sunday’s game, and defensive tackle DeWayne Carter is out for the year after tearing his Achilles tendon last week. Kicker Tyler Bass (pelvis) and wide receiver Keon Coleman (groin) were also limited at practice Wednesday. Wide receiver Khalil Shakir (ankle) was a full participant.

Have a news tip? Contact Sam Jane at sjane@baltsun.com, 410-332-6200 and x.com/Sam_Jane230.

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