Any word on the injured Ravens? Lewis/Mason (1 Viewer)

[sholditch]

All I see is that they are questionable. Any insight on who will play? Either of them practice today?

 

[dwashington]

This was first published Tuesday, Mason looks good to go.

http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/footbal...sports-football

Ravens wide receiver Derrick Mason and cornerback Chris McAlister declared themselves healthy and available for the team's regular-season opener at the Tampa Bay Buccaneers this Sunday.

Both players missed Thursday's preseason finale against the Washington Redskins, but Mason (left knee bruise) and McAlister (sore right thigh) practiced yesterday and said their injuries shouldn't prevent them from suiting up against the Buccaneers.

"It's feeling fine," Mason said. "It was just one of those things where just a little rest [was needed], and once I got a little rest, it was feeling a lot better. I'm good to go for this week."

Jamal Lewis claims to be good to go, but after reading this article, I have a weird feeling that his hip isn't quite recovered yet.J. Lewis 'Questionable' But Confident

"If it was up to me, I'm ready to roll," Lewis said yesterday while propping his leg on a stool in front of his locker. "At the same time, I have to follow the coaches' lead. They know what's best for me. So, that's how we'll play it."

Ravens coach Brian Billick was more vague when asked if the franchise's all-time leading rusher had recovered from his hip injury.

"I don't know that anybody is 100 percent," Billick said.

Team officials had been extremely confident that Lewis would be able to start the opener when they decided to sit him for the final two preseason games. Lewis even said Monday that he showed a burst in practice.

Hip injury or not, Lewis appears eager and determined to turn around his career after watching his rushing totals decline the past two seasons.

"I feel like I'm ready to go and ready for a lot of big things this season," Lewis said.

If Lewis starts as expected, the next question is how he'll perform.

Lewis has traditionally been a slow starter. In starting four season openers, he has averaged 59.5 yards, failing to crack 70 yards each time.

In his defense, Lewis has never received more than 20 carries in an opener.

"I'm more of a back that gets better as the game goes on," he said. "Just let me roll."

In his own way, Lewis seemed to be begging for a heavy workload Sunday despite the daunting challenge.

Not only has he not taken a hit from an opponent since Aug. 17, but he also must battle the humid Florida weather as well as last season's sixth-ranked run defense.

"I feel like I'm a big back and train myself in the offseason to be able to carry the load and take those 25-plus carries," Lewis said. "It's been awhile since I've gotten 25 carries. I prepare for it and I'm ready for it."

 

[sholditch]

Hmmm, it's weird cause earlier reports this week were that he was practicing and looked ready to go. Has he reaggravated something?

 

[dwashington]

Team officials had been extremely confident that Lewis would be able to start the opener when they decided to sit him for the final two preseason games. Lewis even said Monday that he showed a burst in practice.

I dunno dude..but considering it's against the Bucs in Tampa Bay, I think I'm going to start Machine Muhammad instead.