Defensive tackle Haloti Ngata took one step further in his rehabilitation, lining up in seven-on-seven drills during practice this morning.

Ngata, who had not practiced since spraining the medial collateral ligament in his right knee on July 27, said he probably wouldn’t be able to play against the Minnesota Vikings in the Ravens' home preseason opener Saturday night, but is hopeful that he can participate fully in practice either tomorrow or Friday.

“I’m basically just trying to get the rust off,” Ngata said. “I’m getting back to that trust factor with [the knee]. I’m trusting it more. Going laterally with it, I’m not scared, but I’m just being careful with it. I definitely don’t want to strain it again.”

Ngata said he has strained to push through the limitations imposed by his knee and the training staff, but understands that the long-term health of his knee is the first priority.

"I definitely don’t want to strain it again," he said. "It’s just trusting the knee more. It’s definitely strong. I can feel it getting stronger. It’s just a matter of time.”