Lewis practices, Suggs hopes to play
The Ravens' defense is in flux as All-Pro middle linebacker Ray Lewis returned to practice from a surgically repaired right triceps tendon.
Meanwhile, Pro Bowl outside linebacker Terrell Suggs insisted that he will return this season after tearing his right biceps with a second medical opinion confirming the original diagnosis.
Suggs already made it back from a partially torn right Achilles tendon that required surgery.
Now, he's dealing with another serious injury that endangers his playing status for Sunday's game against the Washington Redskins.
Suggs got hurt making a tackle in a loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers.
"The creed is, 'If you can breathe, then you can play,'" Suggs said. "We just got to check it out. We got to see how it holds up throughout the week. I'll definitely be a game-time decision on Sunday. My concern is, would I help or hinder the team by playing? I don't want to be out there and can't make a play because I'm unhealthy and I don't have a full biceps."
Suggs emphasized that he will definitely not shut it down and will continue to play this season.
Injured reserve isn't on his agenda.
"That's not an option for me," Suggs said. "I haven't ruled (Sunday) out of my mind yet but I think definitely I will continue to line up at some point this season. It all depends on when it starts to get better and how much I can really do on it. You just have to find your limit. You have to find out what you can do and what you can't do. Right now, I could tell you I feel good and I'm definitely playing. But it's not always the case on Sunday."
Suggs might wear a shoulder harness, but it's unclear what will happen or if he's risking further aggravating the injury by playing.
"I think any time you have an injury and you play with it, you risk making it worse," Suggs said. "But if I do play, that won't be a concern on my mind. We have a job to do and we have to get a win."
Suggs said he has no intentions of resting up for the playoffs and sitting out the rest of the regular-season games.
"I don't give myself that kind of time frame," he said. "I don't want to miss any games. Let's just start with Week 1. Hopefully, I can play. I really believe if everything (works) out with how I am feeling and we do a good job throughout the week, I will be lining up. If not, then I miss the Washington game and hopefully I can be back for the Denver one."
As for Lewis, who got hurt Oct. 14 against the Dallas Cowboys, he issued the following statement Wednesday:
"I'm making progress and will practice some today. But, the story shouldn't be about me right now. We're playing the Redskins Sunday, and I am not eligible to play. If I can help prepare my team in some way for that game, I will. When I know I will play in a game, or when I play in a game, I will say more then."
