Receiver Mark Mariani said the hip injury that kept him out of Wednesday's practice has actually been lingering for a while, but by returning and practicing fully on Friday.
Mariani, who indicated he had "pulled something" in the hip, said he will be a go this Sunday, but is also looking forward to healing up completely during the bye week.
“I was out there and I made it through today and I'll be ready for Sunday,” Mariani said. “I think I'll be all right. Sunday will be key, because then we'll get two weeks off. Sunday will be the key, and hopefully, the rest will take care of itself.”
Mariani has only had two kickoff returns this year, thanks to the new kickoff rule that has caused 12 touchbacks.
In other injuries, tight end Craig Stevens was out a second straight day with sore ribs. Coach Mike Munchak said he was better, but may not be able to practice Friday. His status for Sunday is still up in the air as well.
Gerald McRath practiced for the second straight day as he returns from swelling in his knee, and said he should be a go for Sunday.
“I've just had some soreness in a sense. There wasn't a whole lot of swelling, but it just took a little bit of time. The trainers just wanted to make sure I didn't come back too soon and re-injure it,” McRath said. “I hope I'm a go. … In my mindset I'm ready to play.”
Safety Michael Griffin was out of practice with a stomach virus on Thursday after being limited on Wednesday.
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