Joe Flacco returned to practice last week and he's feeling fit and ready to tackle the Baltimore Ravens' season opener against the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday.
Speaking to reporters Wednesday, Flacco said his back injury was "not ideal, but I feel good now and I'm ready to go."
Flacco, who was a full participant in practice Wednesday, added that his back shouldn't be an issue for him moving forward this season and that he's "going to be as confident as ever when I take the field."
Flacco resumed throwing last week, and coach John Harbaugh told reporters after the signal-caller's first practice session Saturday that Flacco looked good.
For a team that has been hit particularly hard by injuries in the run up to the season, Flacco's confidence is a good sign.
Here are the other injuries we've been tracking on Wednesday:
- The Buffalo Bills cleared quarterback Tyrod Taylor from concussion protocol and he's expected to start Sunday, coach Sean McDermott said. The first-year head coach expects offensive tackle Cordy Glenn (foot) and receiver Jordan Matthews (chip fracture in sternum) to start on Sunday, too.
Defensive tackle Marcell Dareus (hip) was listed as a limited participant in practice Wednesday.
- New York Giants receiver Odell Beckham once again did not practice, but he was on the field at the start for warmups and stretching as he continues to come back from a preseason ankle injury.
- Cam Newton (shoulder) and rookie wide receiver Curtis Samuel (ankle) were full participants in practice for the Carolina Panthers. Defensive tackle Vernon Butler (knee) was limited.
- Cleveland Browns rookie pass rusher Myles Garrett was limited in practice because of an ankle injury, coach Hue Jackson said. The injury occurred in Wednesday's practice session.
- Oakland Raiders defensive end* Khalil Mack* (knee) did not participate in practice. Wideout* Amari Cooper* (knee), tackle Kelechi Osemele (wrist/ankle) and kicker Sebastian Janikowski were listed as limited participants.
- San Francisco 49ers cornerback Jimmie Ward (hamstring) will be limited in practice, coach Kyle Shanahan said.
- Cincinnati Bengals teammates Tyler Eifert (knee), George Iloka (knee) and* Jeremy Hill* (ankle) were full-go at practice.
- Arizona Cardinals coach Bruce Arians said linebacker Deone Bucannon (ankle) has "no chance" to play Sunday. Defensive end Robert Nkemdiche (calf) has a "real good shot." Nkemdiche should practice Thursday.
- Seattle Seahawks running back Thomas Rawls is questionable for Sunday with a high ankle sprain injury, coach Pete Carroll said.
- Tennessee Titans coach Mike Mularkey said offensive tackle Taylor Lewan twisted his ankle in practice Wednesday. Cornerback LeShaun Sims is day to day with a groin injury, Mularkey added.
- New England Patriots defensive tackle Vincent Valentine (knee) did not practice Wednesday and is doubtful for Thursday. Defensive lineman Adam Butler (knee), defensive back Nate Ebner (shoulder), offensive tackle Cameron Fleming (ankle), linebacker Harvey Langi (concussion) and wide receivers Malcolm Mitchell (knee) and Matthew Slater (hamstring) were all limited and are listed as questionable.
- Kansas City Chiefs guard Parker Ehinger (knee) and linebacker Reggie Ragland (knee) practiced in full but are doubtful for Week 1. Safety Ron Parker (ankle) is listed as questionable after a full practice.