Ravens' Lardarius Webb expected to be ready for season opener

OWINGS MILLS, Md. -- Baltimore Ravens cornerback Lardarius Webb is expected to play the Sept. 13 season opener at the Denver Broncos after returning to practice on Monday, coach John Harbaugh said.

Webb injured his hamstring on Aug. 10 after getting beat by rookie wide receiver Darren Waller on a deep route. He has missed all three preseason games.

"I felt like he looked good," Harbaugh said. "He should be on schedule for Week 1. I'm confident and I've got faith he'll be out there Week 1."

If Webb is available, the uncertainty is how well he'll play against Peyton Manning and the NFL's fourth-ranked passing attack.

Last season, Webb missed three of the first four regular-season games after dealing with lower back and groin injuries during the preseason. When he returned, Webb allowed quarterbacks to complete 70 percent of their throws against him in his first seven games and gave up an average of 67.5 passing yards, according to Pro Football Focus.

The Ravens could also be looking at Webb as more than a defensive back. He was fielding punts in Monday's practice along with Asa Jackson, Michael Campanaro and Tom Nelson. The Ravens haven't named a replacement for Jacoby Jones.

Webb, 29, took a $2.75 million pay cut to remain with the Ravens this offseason. His $9.25 million salary-cap hit this year still ranks 10th among cornerbacks.