L.J. Smith did not practice for the third consecutive day because of a pulled left hamstring, and it appears increasingly unlikely that the tight end will be able to play in the season opener against the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday at M&T Bank Stadium.
Smith, who injured the hamstring in the Ravens' second preseason game against the New York Jets on Aug. 24, is listed as doubtful on the club's injury report.
"If he's ready to go Sunday, he will, and if he's not, he won't," coach John Harbaugh said after practice Friday. "He'll be a game-day decision."
Haloti Ngata said he doesn't expect his sprained left ankle to prevent him from playing Sunday. Despite limited participation Friday, the defensive tackle is listed as probable.
Linebackers Brendon Ayanbadejo (sprained toe on right foot) and Dannell Ellerbe (sprained right medial collateral ligament) participated fully for the second straight day. Ayanbadejo is probable, and Ellerbe is questionable.
Chiefs quarterback Matt Cassel was limited in practice for the third consecutive day because of a sprained left knee and is questionable for Sunday's game. Chiefs wide receiver and former Raven Terrance Copper (hamstring) and cornerback Brandon Flowers (shoulder) are also listed as questionable.
Modell attends practice
Art Modell watched practice inside the team's bubble, and the Ravens gathered around the minority owner after practice.
"We all know what he's meant to the NFL, we all know what he's meant to this organization and he was just telling the guys that this is his 48th opener in the NFL," Harbaugh said. "That's two times as old as most of our guys. The older guys know him. You can see the guys like Todd Heap, Ed Reed and Derrick Mason right up there in front because they've got such a great relationship with Mr. Modell. The young guys will have that same type of relationship with him as time goes on. So he's a big part of the Ravens."
End zone
