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After Demetrius Williams sprained his ankle last Saturday against the Redskins, he said it didn't seem major, and he hoped to be back on the practice fields the following Monday.
A week later, Williams is still out of practice as he deals with some aches and pains in the ankle.
The fifth-year wide receiver made a step in the right direction today (no pun intended), taking part in individual drills, but he's unsure of whether he'll be able to play in Thursday's preseason finale.
"I'll listen to the trainers, whatever they want me to do," Williams said.
And if the trainers tell him he should sit out Thursday's game against the Rams and rest the ankle?
"Then that's what I'll do," he said. "That wouldn't be OK with me. I'll try my best to be on the field, but if that's what they think is best, that's what's best."
Williams has been in a fight for a spot as the Ravens' fifth wide receiver throughout training camp and the preseason, but with Donte' Stallworth going down on Saturday with a broken foot, Williams' chances at a roster spot got a boost.
That's why the timing of Williams' ankle injury couldn't be much worse. He knows that with the circumstances being what they are, he needs to capitalize on the extra reps and playing time that he could be in line for.
"I've just got to go out there and work hard every day," Williams said. "The biggest thing is just whatever my team needs me to do, that's what I'm going to be able to do."
Asked if Stallworth's injury is bittersweet because it gives him a better chance at making the team, Williams shook his head.
"I think it's just more bitter than anything," he said. "I don't want him to be hurt. He's a really good guy, and he's been through a lot in his career. I think he's a really good player, and for that to happen to him that early in the season, it's just unfortunate.
"But we all have to make up for it as a team, and as a group, to pick up the slack where he was impacting."
