Ravens LB Dannell Ellerbe continues to struggle with an ankle injury. (US Presswire) |
Ravens LB Dannell Ellerbe may not have practiced on Friday, but he was outside testing the ankle injury that could potentially keep him from playing against Pittsburgh.
Listed as a non-participant, Ellerbe said he worked out to gauge how he's feeling after resting his ankle for the majority of the week.
"It was slow," Ellerbe said. "I didn't do anything today."
Ellerbe added that the swelling in the ankle has subsided but that he's still struggling with some of the pain. During Baltimore's 16-13 win over San Diego, another player fell on Ellerbe's ankle, which caused significant bruising.
Ellerbe, who also has a sprained thumb, a broken thumb and a knee injury, said he will be a game time decision on Sunday.
If Ellerbe is unable to go, then linebackers Brendon Ayanbadejo, Albert McClellan and Josh Bynes could be in line for extended work. When Ellerbe came out of the Chargers game, Ayanbadejo stepped in and later made two crucial tackles in overtime.
"Regardless of the circumstances, you have to be ready to play when it's your time to play," Ayanbadejo said. "Ultimately, that's why you're here. You're not here to sit on the bench and watch others do work. You want to do work yourself. We definitely need Ellerbe on this championship run. But if my name is called, I'll always be ready."
In addition, TE Ed Dickson, who sustained a sprained knee against San Diego, is doubtful for the Pittsburgh game. Dickson has not practiced the past three days. With Dickson likely to be out, TE Billy Bajema will see time in Baltimore's two tight end sets.
Earlier this week, Dickson said it would take a lot to keep him out of Sunday's game.
"It's Steelers Week, man," Dickson said on Wednesday. "Whatever I can do to be out there, I'll be out there."
Joining Ellerbe on the questionable list are DE Pernell McPhee (thigh/knee) and CB Chris Johnson (hamstring). CB Jimmy Smith (sports hernia surgery) was ruled out on Wednesday.
Probable for the Ravens are WR Anquan Boldin (knee), NT Terrence Cody (elbow), CB Corey Graham (illness), WR Jacoby Jones (ankle), TE Dennis Pitta (neck), S Bernard Pollard (chest), S Ed Reed (shoulder), WR Torrey Smith (thigh) and OLB Terrell Suggs (Achilles).
Follow Ravens reporter Jason Butt on Twitter: @CBSRavens and @JasonButtCBS.