Defensive end-linebacker Terrell Suggs said he is playing Thursday, which will mark his first game action of the preseason.
Suggs, who injured his heel Aug. 2, returned to practice Monday.
"I'm going to go a little bit," Suggs said Tuesday about the preseason finale, "and see how the heel is actually holding up."
Limited action in the preseason is becoming a tradition for Suggs. Last year, he didn't report to training camp because he was the team's franchise player but returned to play in the last two preseason games.
Suggs said he doesn't know whether he'll go one series or one quarter against the Atlanta Falcons in this year's preseason finale. "That's something we're all going to decide with me and the coaches," said Suggs, who signed a six-year, $63 million contract in July. "The overall picture is definitely get out of the game healthy and with no setbacks."
Before Suggs spoke to reporters, coach John Harbaugh said the Pro Bowl player was "sort of a maybe for Thursday." Harbaugh seemed pleased by Suggs' first practice back. "It looks like it responded well," Harbaugh said. "He's in good cardiovascular shape, and he's really strong."
The Ravens replaced Suggs in the starting lineup with rookie Paul Kruger, who has received the nickname "Goldilocks" from Suggs for his long blond hair.
Meanwhile, wide receiver Mark Clayton said he wouldn't play in the preseason finale. Clayton, who is nursing an injured hamstring, has practiced the past two weeks and reiterated he will be ready for the Sept. 13 season opener against the Kansas City Chiefs.
"They want to be sure that everything is as good as we can get it," Clayton said. "We want to get an extra day of work to strengthen it and get the endurance up as opposed to taking chances."
Kelley Washington has filled in for Clayton in the past two preseason games.
McKinney still battling
Brandon McKinney was a surprise starter in Saturday's preseason game, filling in for the injured Kelly Gregg (shoulder) at nose tackle.
The Ravens replaced Gregg with Justin Bannan last season, but they wanted to see how McKinney held up with the first-team defense.
Asked whether McKinney could eventually develop into a starter, defensive line coach Clarence Brooks said: "He's battling right now to make the team. That's where his battle is. We'll see where he fits in after the decisions are made."
Surprise day off
