Baltimore Ravens running back Ray Rice said Friday he pushed himself in practice all week to see how his injured hip would respond, but deferred to coach John Harbaugh regarding his status for Sunday.
"The week went as expected," Rice said, per The Baltimore Sun. "It did feel good, barring no setbacks I could be out there Sunday."
Harbaugh was noncommittal on Rice's availability to suit up against the Buffalo Bills. Harbaugh said the team is "hoping" Rice will be ready to play, but the running back officially is listed as questionable on the Ravens' injury report.
NFL Media's Albert Breer reported Thursday that internally Rice's hip injury isn't viewed as major, and pain tolerance was the the biggest obstacle. The running back's presence at practice this week was a good sign.
Rice sounds like he is itching to get back on the field, but with backup runner Bernard Pierce displaying the ability to carry a heavy load, the Ravens are in an enviable position to make sure their star running back fully is healthy before pressing him into duty.
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