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Dennis Pitta Could Play Against Vikings On Sunday

By Samuel Njoku

Dennis Pitta

The Baltimore Ravens are nearing the end of the regular season. Because of that, it's common to see a number of players on a given roster to be banged up. This season is no different for the Ravens, as a few marquee players are dealing with lingering injuries as this season comes to a close.

One player that may be getting healthy is Dennis Pitta. Whether he's healthy enough to play on Sunday remains to be seen. Pitta has been on the practice field for a few weeks now, but has yet to see any real game action. It has been widely assumed that the Ravens were looking at the Vikings game as the date in which Pitta would return to action. The details regarding their decision has been scarce to say the least, but the Ravens seem optimistic that Pitta can and will return.

"I think he has a reasonable chance [he plays]," Harbaugh said. "We'll just have to see."

The Ravens have until Saturday at 4 p.m. to activate him for the upcoming game. With that in mind, Pitta has taken extra steps to guarantee that if he returns, there is little chance of him re-injuring himself.

"I've upped my workload a little bit this week just to kind of test it and see where it's at," Pitta said. "I feel like I'm able to do what I need to do, so we'll keep seeing how it feels throughout the weekend."

If  Pitta does decide to play, his presence will immediately increase the production of the offense.

While the mood around the organization remains optimistic for Pitta's return, the same cannot be said for LB Elvis Dumervil. The pass rush specialist has dealt with an ankle injury that has kept him out of practice the entire week. He's listed as doubtful for the game on Sunday, but the Ravens made it clear that his status will be decided on Sunday.

"Earlier in the week we felt he was going to make it," Harbaugh told reporters. "He's not a guy that has to practice to play, so if he goes out there and feels like he can go, he will. If he doesn't, he won't."

Adrian Peterson Questionable for Sunday

The talk of the town has been the test that the Ravens defense has when they go up against Adrian Peterson. But Peterson has been dealing with a groin injury for a good portion of the season. The All-Pro Running Back missed practice for most of the week. Though he practiced on a limited basis on Friday, his absence is a bit concerning for Vikings fans. But it's highly unlikely Peterson misses Sunday's matchup against the Ravens.

Minnesota Vikings Coach Leslie Frazier doesn't appear to think this injury will go away anytime soon. "We'll have to manage it for the rest of the regular season," he said.

Baltimore Ravens Injury Report

Out

  • S Brynden Trawick (ankle)

Doubtful

  • LB Elvis Dumervil (ankle)

Questionable

  • DE Chris Canty (shoulder)
  • CB Asa Jackson (thigh)
  • WR Brandon Stokley (knee)
  • CB Lardarius Webb (abs)

Probable

  • CB Jimmy Smith (concussion)

For more Ravens news and updates, visit Ravens Central.

Samuel Njoku was born and raised in Baltimore, MD and is a graduate of the University of Maryland Eastern Shore. Samuel has covered the Ravens for Examiner.com since 2010. Prior to 2010, Samuel was an avid blogger and radio personality in Salisbury, MD. Samuel Njoku is a freelance writer covering all things NFL. His work can be found on Examiner.com. You can also follow him on Twitter @Ravens_Examiner.

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