RavensPro Bowl defensive tackle Haloti Ngata, who didn't practice Wednesday because of a knee injury, said Thursday that he will play against the New England Patriots this weekend, the *Baltimore Sun* reported.
Ngata injured his left knee when he was inserted on the offensive side of the ball during the first quarter of Sunday's victory over the Denver Broncos -- a move that has drawn criticism, according to the *Sun*.Ravens coach John Harbaugh decided to go for it on fourth-and-goal at the Broncos' 1-yard line, but Ngata got tangled with Denver safety Darcel McBath. Ngata wore a brace on the knee, but he is struggling more with stiffness in the joint than pain.
"I'm going to play (Sunday)," Ngata said. "We're just being careful about going out there too early than I need to. So we're just watching it and making sure that I got into the books and make sure that I know everything."
Ngata told the Sun that no decision has been made about his contribution on offense.
"I'm just more worried about (playing) defense right now," he said. "But if they want me out there, I'll go."
