Ravens Notebook: F. Washington a game-time decision

OWINGS MILLS — Baltimore Ravens cornerback Fabian Washington is still feeling the effects of a bulging disc in his neck, and is expected to be a game-time decision Monday night against the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Washington hasn’t played during the first two games after being injured during the preseason. He was suspended for the season opener for violating the NFL’s personal-conduct policy.

"I think it will be a last-minute deal,"



Washington said Saturday. "It feels better, and, hopefully, it feels good Monday night."

With starting cornerback Samari Rolle out with shoulder and neck problems, Corey Ivy and Frank Walker have been preparing to play opposite three-time Pro Bowl selection Chris McAlister.

"We’ve prepared Corey and Frank," Ravens coach John Harbaugh said. "Fabian is day to day. He’s improving. Whether he’ll be ready to play Monday or not, we’re not sure."

McGAHEE UPDATE: Despite a laceration on his right eyelid, running back Willis McGahee had full participation in practice for the past two days and is expected to play.

Listed as probable, McGahee has been dealing with swelling all week.

"It seems like he’ll be fine," Harbaugh said.

The Ravens sent tapes to the league office after Cleveland Browns middle linebacker Andra Davis drew blood when he got his hand underneath McGahee’s visored facemask last Sunday. McGahee was poked in the left eye in a separate exchange and left the game twice.

The NFL cleared the Browns of any wrongdoing, citing a lack of evidence that McGahee was intentionally injured.

"We didn’t have any anticipation, we weren’t sure which way it was going to go," Harbaugh said. "We felt like it was our responsibility to send it in and let them make an evaluation.

"We respect what they said. Nobody can determine anyone’s intent. Based on the tape, they just felt like you couldn’t say it was done on purpose."

QUICK HITS: Steelers safety Troy Polamalu has recovered from a quadriceps injury and is scheduled to start. He leads the Steelers with three interceptions and has 15 tackles. "They have guys flying all over the place with Polamalu," tight end Todd Heap said. "You don’t know where he’s going to be." It’s unpredictable where Polamalu will be lining up from snap to snap with the way



Pittsburgh defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau utilizes him in coverage and run support. "We’ve gotten out of trying to figure that one out," offensive coordinator Cam Cameron said. "It’s no use trying to figure out where he’s supposed to be or where he should be or where he is. Bottom line, he’ll be there." … The Ravens practiced in their indoor facility Saturday due to rain and had loudspeakers set up to simulate the crowd noise of Heinz Field. The team will practice today at its training complex before flying to



Pittsburgh this afternoon. "I thought our guys did a heck of a job of preparing and getting ready, very focused, attention to detail has been strong," Harbaugh said. "That was important." … This marks Harbaugh’s first Monday night game as a head coach. "It’s going to be exciting, it’s going to be thrilling," he said. "It’s going to be a great opportunity. I’m excited about it just like our players are." … The Ravens are 4-6 all-time in Monday night games, but went 0-3 last year as they lost to the Steelers, Cincinnati Bengals and New England Patriots.

Aaron Wilson covers the
Baltimore Ravens for the
Carroll
County Times and the

Annapolis Capital.