Ravens outside linebackers Tyus Bowser and rookie David Ojabo practiced Wednesday for the first time this season, a sign that one of the team’s most decimated units is nearing full health.
Bowser, who started the season after missing training camp, returned to action just nine months after he tore his Achilles tendon in the team’s 2021 finale. Coach John Harbaugh said it was too early to rule him out for Sunday’s game against the New York Giants, though the Ravens have typically been deliberate with their ramp-up process.
“Tyus is another guy that’s worked extremely hard,” Harbaugh said after practice Wednesday. “I think he’s taken it very seriously. I mean, man, he’s been involved with every aspect of his rehab. I just think he’s done a great job. He’s really strong and he looks good. So just kind of get him going with the football, and we’ll see where we’re at.”
Ojabo, who was on the reserve/nonfootball injury list, is working his way back from his own torn Achilles tendon, suffered at Michigan’s pro day in March. His acclimation period is expected to take longer than Bowser’s, though Harbaugh acknowledged Ojabo has recovered quickly.
“Very impressed,” Harbaugh said of Ojabo on Wednesday. “We’re going to take one step at a time. … Today was just a first step. We’ll see how he responds.”
In designating Bowser and Ojabo to return, the Ravens now have 21 days to activate them to the 53-man roster. Both spent much of the open portion of Wednesday’s practice working with defensive assistant Ryan Osborn, who works closely with the team’s outside linebackers and defensive linemen and spent last season at Michigan with Ojabo.
Bowser, who led the team in sacks last season (career-high seven) and graded out as one of the defense’s highest-rated players, is expected to boost a pass rush that’s struggled to stay healthy and harass opposing quarterbacks. But it’s unlikely that he would be ready for Sunday’s game.
Harbaugh on Monday expressed optimism about the potential of the Ravens’ outside linebacker group, which was also bolstered by last month’s . After starter Odafe Oweh recorded his first sack of the season in Week 4, in Sunday night’s win over the Cincinnati Bengals. The Ravens are also awaiting the return of outside linebacker Justin Houston (strained groin), who’s missed two straight games and didn’t practice Wednesday.
“That [health] is what we’re waiting for, there’s no doubt,” Harbaugh said Monday. “We’re trying to get there, for sure.”
Still, the Ravens were without several key starters and contributors at Wednesday’s practice. Left tackle Ronnie Stanley, , was absent with a rest/ankle designation. Wide receiver Rashod Bateman (foot) and running back Justice Hill (hamstring), both of whom missed all of practice last week, also remained out. Reserve guard Ben Cleveland (foot) is still sidelined. Defensive lineman Calais Campbell and cornerback Marcus Peters got the day off.
Fourteen Giants players were limited or missing at Wednesday’s practice, including starting running back Saquon Barkley (shoulder), starting defensive ends Azeez Ojulari (calf) and Leonard Williams (knee), starting cornerback Adoree’ Jackson (knee/neck), and former Raven and current reserve safety Tony Jefferson (foot).
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