Tue Sep 7, 2010 1:48am
By the National Football Post
OWINGS MILLS, Md. -- Baltimore Ravens offensive tackle Jared Gaither is lifting weights and has regained most of the 30 pounds he lost, bulking back up to nearly 330 pounds.
He's still regarded as unlikely to play in the season opener against the New York Jets due to a thoracic disc injury in his upper back.
Gaither hasn't practiced since the first week of August when he began suffering back spasms and was carted off the field. A league source told National Football Post on Aug. 14 that when Gaither was diagnosed with the thoracic disc condition he was informed that he would be out up to six weeks.
He was uncertain when asked when he'll be able to resume football activities.
"It's really hard with this type of injury, as I've been told," Gaither said. "As soon as you feel better, you just want to go out there and play. I'm looking forward to that. I couldn't tell you because that's how the injury is. As soon as I get better, I'll be out there. I'm making continuous progress."
Ravens coach John Harbaugh didn't shed any light on Gaither's status.
"I really don't know," he said. "We'll just have to wait and see where he's at and how he feels in the next couple of days."
While offensive tackle Oniel Cousins practiced Monday, he hasn't been cleared by doctors for contact after incurring a concussion midway through the preseason.
Tony Moll has been starting at right tackle, but right guard Marshal Yanda has lined up at right tackle in practice with Chris Chester stepping in for him at right guard.
Gaither was down to 310 pounds during training camp, a drastic weight loss that wasn't approved by the team after he played at 340 pounds last season.
The 6-foot-9 former University of Maryland lineman said he did that to lessen the stress on a toe injury.
"I'm getting back to my old weight," Gaither said. "To me, that's not really a concern. It wasn't that hard to put the weight back on because I knew what I did to lose the weight. I'm really just trying to get healthy enough in my back. I had an injury with my toes that caused me to lose the weight. Now, that's healthy."
Gaither said he won't return until his back is completely healed.
"I really just want to be as healthy as I can," Gaither said. "My back is a big part of my life. It's not only my career, it's also living. I just want to make sure that I'm 100 percent healthy. I know they'll work with me and I'll be out there soon."
Meanwhile, Cousins is working his way back. He said his symptoms, which have included headaches and sensitivity to light and loud noises, have subsided.
However, he has to pass a neurological baseline test before he'll be allowed to play.
"I've got to see the doctor," Cousins said. "I'm out there. I feel pretty good so for. I have to make sure everything is finalized and good. I'm ready to roll."
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