Ravens Pro Bowl RB Ray Rice ‘Feels Great,’ Expects to Be Ready to Play Sunday

Baltimore Ravens running back Ray Rice, who earned his first Pro Bowl berth in 2009, removed a protective sleeve and shed the red “non-contact” jersey during Friday’s practice, and told reporters that he expects to play during Sunday’s pivotal divisional matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Although he skipped practice on Wednesday after suffering a right knee contusion in last Sunday’s blowout victory over the Cleveland Browns, Rice returned to the practice field on Thursday and Friday. “I feel great,” Rice said, according to the National Football Post. “We have a great corps of backs, but I’m sure I’ll be ready to play.”

Ravens head coach John Harbaugh chimed in on his star running back’s status as well, telling reporters, “I would say it’s a game-day [decision], but I’m feeling pretty good that he’s going to go. So we’ll see.”

The Steelers have one of the top rushing defenses in the NFL, having allowed just 2.6 yards-per-carry and 59.7 yards-per-game through the first three contests of the 2010 season, according to ProFootballTalk.com.

However, while Pittsburgh’s run defense was stout last year as well, Rice achieved more success than any other ball carrier who faced the vaunted unit in 2009. In two games, Rice accumulated 320 total yards, including 229 on the ground, on just 49 carries and six receptions.