Report: Ravens defensive tackle Brandon Williams in a walking boot

Ravens rookie defensive tackle Brandon Williams was spotted in a walking boot due to an injury sustained during Baltimore's final preseason game against the St. Louis Rams last Thursday.

Williams is slated as Arthur Jones' backup at the three-technique defensive end spot. According to the Baltimore Sun's Aaron Wilson, it's unknown when Williams will be able to return, at least in the short-term. However, Jones was once again not spotted at practice due to what coach John Harbaugh described as a personal issue almost a week ago.

If neither Jones or Williams are available for Thursday's season-opener against the Broncos, then the Ravens could slide Haloti Ngata over to the three-technique position and put Terrence Cody into the starting lineup at nose guard. Cody's play improved throughout the preseason after undergoing hip and elbow surgeries during the summer.

In other injury-related news, outside linebacker Pernell McPhee told reporters his knee feels better from when it was initially injured during a practice held at Stevenson University.

Tight end Ed Dickson, via Wilson, said his hamstring feels good enough to where he's optimistic he'll play this Thursday against the Broncos.

"I’m just flying around, making plays," Dickson said. "I feel pretty healthy. I’m pretty optimistic about my chances of playing this game and working toward playing. I always feel like I’m playing so I’m working towards it that way. We’ll see what the trainers and the coach say."

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