Five of the six Ravens players who did not practice Wednesday were back, but perhaps the most important one -- defensive tackle Haloti Ngata -- was not one of them.

Ngata, who is dealing with a sprained right ankle, was not present during the portion of today's practice open to the media. He also did not make an appearance in the locker room prior to practice.

The players who did return to practice included safeties Haruki Nakamura (strained abdominal muscle) and Tom Zbikowski (illness), cornerback Frank Walker (illness), linebacker Prescott Burgess (illness) and long snapper Matt Katula (sore elbow).

Tight end Todd Heap (ankle) and fullback Le'Ron McClain (shoulder) -- both of whom were limited Wednesday -- participated as did linebacker Jarret Johnson (left shoulder).

Fresh off his performance last week playing the role of Denver Broncos wide receiver Brandon Marshall, Justin Harper appeared to be mimicking the Cincinnati Bengals' Chad Ochocinco, wearing a No. 85 jersey.