Rolle, Washington expect to play
January 3
Carroll County Times
"Baltimore Ravens cornerback Samari Rolle practiced for the first time this week Friday, taking part on a limited basis as he continues to recover from an ankle and foot injury.
Rolle is listed as questionable, but is expected to start Sunday’s AFC wild-card playoff against the Miami Dolphins at Dolphin Stadium.
"I’m definitely playing," Rolle said. "There’s no question about it."
Wide receiver Derrick Mason (dislocated left shoulder/sore trapezius) and kicker Matt Stover (sprained right ankle) didn’t practice as a precautionary measure and are both listed as questionable.
Meanwhile, cornerback Fabian Washington was limited again due to a hyperextended right big toe suffered against the Dallas Cowboys and is listed as questionable. Although he’s limping slightly, he reiterated that he’s going to play.
"I’m completely on schedule to play Sunday," Washington said. "This is a big game and I’m going to be out there, no matter how it feels, and it’s feeling a lot better."
Ravens coach John Harbaugh is encouraged about Washington and rookie running back Ray Rice’s progress. Rice has missed the past three games with a shin contusion.
"They seem to be better and better as the week goes on," Harbaugh said. "We still haven’t made any decisions for sure, and you don’t know until Sunday, but there were some positive signs."
Rice, who has averaged 4.2 yards per carry and caught 33 passes out of the backfield, is probably the Ravens’ biggest injury question mark because he has had such a prolonged convalescence. There’s also the matter of him not taking a hit in a long time.
"I don’t know that there’s any particular strategy for that," Harbaugh said. "You just have to do it. We don’t think it’s going to be an issue.
"He hasn’t had contact for a while, so he’s just going to have to be conscious of securing the football. Of course, that’s if he plays. We’ll see how it goes."
Also limited in practice Friday and listed as questionable: free safety Ed Reed (hamstring), defensive tackle Justin Bannan (foot), offensive guard Chris Chester (back), linebacker Antwan Barnes (chest), wide receiver Mark Clayton (knee), tight end Todd Heap (back), who wasn’t previously listed on the injury report, and linebacker Jarret Johnson (left calf).
Rookie safety Tom Zbikowski (thigh) is probable and participated fully in practice."
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