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OWINGS MILLS, Md. -- There is still no set date for the return of Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Breshad Perriman, who has not played in a game since being selected in the first round of the 2015 draft. Perriman, who is on physically unable to perform list, was expected to return to practice sometime in mid-August after sustaining an offseason knee injury. However, he has been limited to running on the sideline. Perriman also missed the entire 2015 season with a knee injury.
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"They talked about this being the timeframe right about now in mid-August when he would be back," Ravens coach John Harbaugh said. "That was the date that I was given back in June. He's running, and he's on the ground running right now, but I haven't been told that he's going to be back to practice tomorrow. I'm just like the fans. I'm waiting for him to get back out there. When he's ready, he'll be back out there."
To add depth, the Ravens signed wide receiver Mike Wallace in the offseason and selected Cincinnati's Chris Moore in the fourth round of this year's draft. Wallace appears to be the front runner to start Week 1 against Buffalo.
If Baltimore decides to keep Perriman on the PUP list heading into the regular-season opener against Buffalo, he will have to be out for at least six games.
-- Linebacker Terrell Suggs wasted little time making an impact when he returned to the practice field for the first time in almost a year.
The six-time Pro Bowl selection intercepted a pass from quarterback Joe Flacco in his third practice Wednesday and was a constant presence in the backfield. He could also be heard chirping to teammates throughout the week.
In short, it was great for the players to have "Sizzle" - or "Darth Sizzle" as he called himself at this year's camp - back in the fold.
"He brings energy to everything he does," Harbaugh said. "He's excited to be back out here. He's another one who has been away for a while, and he's like, 'I really love this. I love playing football. I love being a part of the team.' He loves the meetings. He loves the weight room."
Suggs tore his left Achilles in the 2015 season opener in Denver and opened training camp on the physically unable to perform list. Even at age 33, Suggs appears that he will still be a boost to Baltimore's pass rush this season.
"I feel really good," said Suggs, who spoke to the media for the first time during training camp Thursday. "I feel in really good condition, but the only thing that will get you in football shape is football. I still have a little bit to go, as far as that. But I feel really good."
Even though he is practicing, the Ravens are not disclosing whether Suggs will be available for any of the preseason games. Suggs also tore his right Achilles in the 2012 offseason while playing basketball.
Harbaugh said he is confident Suggs will let the training staff know when he is fully ready to play in a game.
"A lot of the plan is based on how he feels about it," Harbaugh said. "Here's a guy that has played 13 years in the National Football League. He knows what he needs. He did more than he did yesterday, and he'll do more tomorrow than he did today."
Suggs' teammates, however, are just glad to hear that familiar chatter.
"He talks to whoever is walking by, it doesn't matter," tight end Crockett Gillmore said. "I feel bad for the kids (at practice). He might call them out, there is no telling."
-- Flacco likely will not play in the second preseason game against the Colts on Saturday (7 p.m. ET).
Flacco tore his ACL and MCL on Nov. 22 against the then-St. Louis Rams, ending his season. He rehabbed throughout the offseason and was on the field for the first day of training camp.
Flacco acknowledged the knee is not 100 percent, but did say "it feels great." The Ravens held Flacco out of the first preseason game against the Carolina Panthers and it appears the team will do the same this week in Indianapolis.
"I haven't really thought about it, to be honest," Flacco said about playing against the Colts. "I've just been focused on coming out here every day and trying to get better (and) feel as good as I can. I'm excited to get back out there, but I haven't really thought about it."
Over 10 games in 2015, Flacco threw for 2,791 yards with 14 touchdowns and 12 interceptions. Flacco admitted it might be hard to gauge his true progress from practice.
"Even the preseason is tough, because you aren't out there a ton of time," Flacco said. "Practice is probably as good a tell as any, but you really have to go out there Game 1 and lace it up against some live competition. We are confident that we are good, and we are building something really good here."
Flacco's teammates were not overly concerned about the veteran taking reps in the preseason games. The key is being ready for the regular season opener.
"When you have a veteran quarterback, you are in a better position than when you have a guy in his second year who hadn't played at all the first year." said tight end Benjamin Alexander, who was signed as a free agent in the offseason. "You may want to get him out there more. Obviously, if you were to talk to Joe, I would imagine he wants as many reps as possible, like all of us do."
If Flacco does not play, backup Ryan Mallett, who appears entrenched in the No. 2 spot, will make his second straight start.
NOTES: WR Steve Smith Sr., who has been on the PUP list, passed his physical and was back at practice for a walk-through on Thursday. Smith, 37, initially announced he was going to retire at the end of last season, however he tore his Achilles against the San Diego Chargers on Nov. 1 and later decided to play another year. "I've been rehabbing for nine months," Smith said. "I know exactly what's left. I'll be alright. Contractually, this is my last year, and I'm just going to play ball." ... WR/R Kaelin Clay was waived by the Ravens after sustaining a fractured foot in practice Saturday. He joined Baltimore midway through the 2015 season and took over as the primary returner. He averaged 10.6 yards on 23 punt returns and returned 14 kicks for an average of 24.5 yards. "He fractured his foot in practice just running," Ravens coach John Harbaugh said. "He's going to be out for an extended period of time. That's why he was released." The Ravens signed rookie free agent Darius White to take Clay's spot. ... TE Crockett Gillmore returned to practice this week after missing time with an injured hamstring. Gillmore is battling Benjamin Watson for the starting role. Gillmore also underwent offseason shoulder surgery. "You know Crockett's ability, so he will play a role that befits his talent and his skill set," coach John Harbaugh said. "I think exactly what guys do is going to be based on what guys do. That's going to play itself out in terms of how they play throughout the preseason and even into the season. It's good to have options. As we say, 'It's a good problem to have.' I'm looking forward to seeing how that plays out. We're planning on utilizing all of those guys."
