NFL Notes: Rams, Ravens, Texans & Titans

Rams

Rams DE Chris Long returned to practice on Tuesday after missing time with stiffness in his back.

“We expected that he would be back somewhere around this time period,” said HC Jeff Fisher, via Nick Wagoner of ESPN. “He looked like he was OK. We’ll see how he is tomorrow.”

“At this point, no [update],” Fisher said. “We’re going to do some more tests. We’ll probably send him down and have him see Dr. [Robert] Anderson but at this point, no.”

Fisher was unsure whether first-round rookie RB Todd Gurley will receive playing time during the preseason, and that he will be limited to individual drills as he recovers from an ACL injury.

“Oh yeah, there’s no doubt about that. I can’t say whether he’s going to get preseason game snaps right now. He’s still a ways away. He’s making progress,” said Fisher, via Brandon Bate. “But again, as we talked about a few days ago, our decision not to PUP him was to be able to get him the individual reps and to build his reps and get him on the practice field. Now in his case as a running back, practice reps, to me, would suffice. But it’s the number of reps and where he is and then we’ll make that decision as to when we play him.”

• According to Wagoner, S Mark Barron was limited to individual drills at Tuesday’s practice.
• Cornerbacks E.J. Gaines and Brandon McGee both missed practice with foot injuries, while Gaines will undergo further testing to determine the severity of his injury.

Ravens

Ravens RT Rick Wagner is hopeful that he will be able to return from a Lisfranc injury for Wednesday’s practice.

“With the off-day [Tuesday], hopefully I come back Wednesday and my foot feels better and I can do the whole thing,” Wagner said, via Jon Meoli of the Baltimore Sun. “We’ll see how it goes. It’s just an injury that needs some rest, and especially when you’re introducing football to it for the first time. I have a lot of confidence that I’m going to be fine by the end of the month.”

Texans

• John McClain writes that in addition to RB Pierre Thomas, the Texans are hosting Ben Malena and Joe McKnight for tryouts. McClain adds that Houston hopes to sign Thomas.
• Josina Anderson reports that “if all goes well” with Thomas’ meeting on Wednesday with the Texans, that he is expected to sign with the team.

Titans

Titans second-year LB Avery Williamson has moved to the strong side inside linebacker position, and has been named the “unofficial leader” of the defense.

“I told him, ‘It’s your defense. Just run it. You’ve got the say-so. You’ve got the power. We listen to you. You don’t listen to us,” said LB Zach Brown, via Adam Sparks of the Tennessean. “All the DBs and D-line have all told (Williamson) that we’re behind him. He calls it, and we follow him. He has the power now.”