OWINGS MILLS — Baltimore Ravens offensive guard Chris Chester returned to practice Tuesday morning and expressed confidence that he’s healthy enough to start Saturday night against the Washington Redskins at FedEx Field.
Chester was held out against the New York Giants on Sunday with a sprained right foot, watching rookie first-round draft pick Ben Grubbs start in his place.
"I think I’m going to definitely be playing," Chester said. "The foot feels much better, and I’m moving around well."
Meanwhile, defensive tackle Haloti Ngata returned to practice after injuring his left knee against the Giants. He said he isn’t certain if he’ll play against the Redskins. Ngata bruised his knee, injuring his bursa sac, which caused swelling. He practiced with his knee and calf wrapped up, limping slightly.
"It’s just a little tight with a little swelling," Ngata said. "I just kind of landed on the turf."
Rookie outside linebacker Antwan Barnes (right high-ankle sprain) practiced, and said he’ll be a game-time decision this week.
"I’m hopeful," he said.
Not practicing: tight end Daniel Wilcox (left ankle sprain), running back P.J. Daniels (hamstring), defensive tackle Atiyyah Ellison (undisclosed), cornerback Samari Rolle (sprained ankle), offensive tackle Steve Edwards (knee) and wide receiver Mark Clayton (sprained ankle).
Offensive tackle Jonathan Ogden (turf toe) and linebackers Dan Cody (knee surgery) and Mike Smith (shoulder surgery) remain on the physically unable to perform list.
AUDITION: With Rolle out for the remainder of the preseason, defensive coordinator Rex Ryan is looking for quality depth. So, he’ll evaluate several players in addition to nickel back Corey Ivy, including David Pittman, Derrick Martin and Evan Oglesby, against the Redskins.
"We hate to lose a great football player, but we’ve done it here before," Ryan said.
"We felt good about the way Corey played, but we’re going to try some of these other guys. We know what Corey can do. We’re going to try David Pittman. We’re going to try Martin and Oglesby and we’ll see how they shake out at the end."
MOVING FORWARD, LOOKING BACK: Ravens coach Brian Billick didn’t enjoy watching the film of Sunday’s 13-12 loss, which was marred by 11 penalties and a turnover.
"I don’t want to go back and look at the film," Billick said. "It was ugly, just like I don’t want to go back and look at that Minnesota game last year. We just didn’t take care of business, the stupid little things.
"Physically, we were fine. The passion was fine. Execution wasn’t bad. We just didn’t take care of the little things and, hopefully, we’ve got that out of our system."
QUICK HITS: Count Rolle as another veteran in favor of reducing the preseason schedule. "I think in a perfect world it would be two to three preseason games," he said. "But the NFL has had this system for years and it will be the same way after we leave. You have to stick with it because you always have to find a diamond in the rough." … Linebacker Bart Scott bristled good-naturedly when it was pointed out that he got ran over by big Giants running back Brandon Jacobs. "Jesus Christ, I beat one blocker and they had one waiting for me," he said. "It happens." … Billick praised kicker Rhys Lloyd, who booted two field goals one day after reporting to training camp on the final day due to work visa issues. "Boy, he has a strong leg and he ought to, it’s fresh," Billick said. "The field goal he hit, I think would have been good from 60 yards."
A few dozen Air Force personnel from Andrews Airforce Base attended practice.
"We appreciate all that they do," Billick said. "Anytime we can have people like them out here, it’s a good thing." … The Ravens practiced indoors due to heavy rain.
Aaron Wilson covers the Baltimore Ravens for the Carroll County Times and the Annapolis Capital.
