The Ravens’ offensive line may finally have its big reinforcement on the way.



Starting left guard Ben Grubbs returned to practice Wednesday on a limited basis. It’s not his first time practicing since he started missing games, however.

Grubbs briefly came back after the bye, but had his toe stepped on during a limited practice on Oct. 13. He hadn’t practice since. Grubbs hasn’t played since Week 1 against the Pittsburgh Steelers after never missing a game in his previous four seasons.

His toe has taken longer to heal than Ravens Head Coach John Harbaugh expected, and the minor setback didn’t help either.

With converted center Andre Gurode filling in for Grubbs, Baltimore’s offensive line has had some tough outings recently. It allowed quarterback Joe Flacco to be hit seven times by the Texans and sacked three times by the Jaguars and Cardinals. Flacco fumbled three times on those six sacks.

If Grubbs can return, it would be a boon for the line, which could also get some help if Pittsburgh pass rushers LaMarr Woodley and James Harrison aren’t able to suit up.

While Grubbs made it back to the field during Steelers week, wide receiver Lee Evans has not yet.

Evans, who has sat out since Week 2, was still sidelined Wednesday after saying late last week that he was trying to get over the “last little hump” in his ankle recuperation.

There were a couple surprises on the Ravens’ injury report. Defensive tackle Haloti Ngata (thigh) and wide receiver David Reed (knee) both did not practice. Neither suffered a reported injury last Sunday.

Center Matt Birk (neck) was limited. Running back Anthony Allen (thigh), who has missed the last two games, was back with limited participation for the first time. Cornerback Danny Gorrer (thigh) also returned.

The Steelers’ injury report will be key to watch throughout the week as they have several high profile names that could miss Sunday’s game.

Linebackers Harrison (eye), Woodley (hamstring) and James Farrior (calf) were all limited, as were wide receiver Hines Ward (ankle) and tackle Jonathan Scott (ankle).

Steelers guard Doug Legursky (toe) and wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders (knee) did not practice.