On a morning that wasn't nearly as blistering as the previous day, receiver Devin Thomas returned to practice. Coach Jim Zorn said the second-year man will start in Thursday's preseason opener at Baltimore.

Offensive linemen Jeremy Bridges and Rueben Riley lightly tested their sprained ankles in some individual drills this morning, but almost certainly won't play against the Ravens. Neither will starting receiver Santana Moss, who looked very good while running on the side to test his ailing hamstring. Running back Anthony Alridge remained sidelined and won't play Thursday because of his sprained toe.

Zorn said that he likely won't use Pro Bowl running back/famed preseason hater Clinton Portis against the Ravens. Starting defensive end Phillip Daniels has a slight quadricep injury but could play at Baltimore for the first time since the 2007 playoff loss at Seattle. Daniels missed all of 2008 after tearing two knee ligaments on the first snap of camp.

- David Elfin

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