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Ravens Battle Through Pre-Season Health Issues

OWINGS MILLS, Md. (AP) -- The injury problems continue to pile up for the Baltimore Ravens during this pre-season, especially at cornerback.

Coach John Harbaugh confirmed Monday that starting cornerback Lardarius Webb, who last practiced July 25 due to back problems, won't play in the final two pre-season games. Webb will miss the entire exhibition season.

"I was hoping, but he won't play in this game," Harbaugh said of Saturday's match-up with Washington.

Then, when asked if that meant Webb probably won't play in the pre-season, Harbaugh said: "Correct."

Starting cornerback Jimmy Smith suffered a bruised chest in last Saturday's win over Dallas. Harbaugh said they're expecting Smith to play this weekend against the Redskins, but he didn't practice again on Tuesday.

The coach said that he's been told it's not a serious situation, and Smith just needs a few days to rest and heal.

"He had an MRI; there was bruising in there," Harbaugh said. "There's a little bleeding from the lungs. He basically fell -- if you watch the play -- from four feet, and he was up in the air leaning backwards about (four feet) off the ground, and then just feel straight on his back between the shoulder blades."

Asa Jackson was playing well at cornerback before injuring his right ankle on Aug. 10. Harbaugh said there's a chance Jackson could return against Washington.

While Harbaugh's not thrilled with all the injuries at cornerback, the coach said there could be a positive from it -- younger players are getting more opportunities.

"Asa has proven he can play; it's great that Chykie (Brown) is getting a lot of reps, and Chykie acquitted himself very well," Harbaugh said. "And we know that Jimmy can play, and Lardarius, when he gets back, can play. Maybe we're strengthening ourselves from the bottom up with all these reps."

Also on Tuesday, tight end Owen Daniels remained out with leg issues (some swelling), and Harbaugh said they're just playing it safe with the 31-year old veteran, repeating that there's no injury there.

Harbaugh said on Tuesday that right tackle Jah Reid suffered a "head dinger" on Monday and that the team didn't know the extent of it. He added that Reid's going through the concussion testing.

The Ravens have two more pre-season games left before they open the regular season on Sept. 7 at home against the Cincinnati Bengals. Harbaugh and his team would like a few victories, but more than anything, they'd probably want to avoid any more health issues.

"You never want to see anyone get hurt," wide receiver Torrey Smith said.
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(Copyright 2013 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

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