With just over two weeks until the regular-season opener against Cincinnati, the Ravens welcomed TEs Ed Dickson and Dennis Pitta back to practice.

Pitta has been out since breaking he broke his right hand during practice on July 30. Dickson sprained his right shoulder after hitting the turf during his nine-yard touchdown against the Falcons on Aug. 9.

Both players figure to play integral roles in Baltimore's no-huddle offense this season. They combined for 933 yards and eight touchdowns in 2011.

"Being able to get out there, running around and actually catch the ball a little bit, certainly helps my confidence," Pitta said. "It helps me understand that I'll be back playing soon enough. We'll be smart with it."

Pitta and Dickson were both limited in Saturday's practice. Pitta said he's catching some passes but isn't going full speed yet. Dickson was able to use his shoulder to lift his arm up in the air to snag some passes.

"I was very limited out there," Dickson said. "I didn't want to overextend anything. Ever since the day I went down I've been working to get back, staying in condition, run with the team, doing things as a team."

Both players are optimistic about being back for the Cincinnati opener and don't expect to experience a loss of chemistry with QB Joe Flacco.

"That's something we've been developing for a few years now," Pitta said. "I don't think it's something you lose right away. I think it'll come back quickly once I'm able to jump back in there and run with the offense."

Kicker battle: Coach John Harbaugh was noncommittal when asked about the kicking situation after practice. With first cuts (from 90 to 75 players) needed to be made by 4 p.m. Monday, Harbaugh could decide to cut Billy Cundiff or Justin Tucker now, or hold off until final cuts on Aug. 31.

"I don't think we've made any decision yet," Harbaugh said. "We learned what we needed to learn. It's not an easy decision. If it was an easy decision we would have made it. Obviously, both guys bring something to the table."

Harbaugh did his best not to tip which way he was leaning.

"I don't know what the odds are but it could go either way," he said.

Rainey believes he belongs: Undrafted rookie RB Bobby Rainey has done everything in his power to prove he deserves a spot on the 53-man roster.

Through three preseason games, Rainey's tallied 10 receptions for 121 yards and two touchdowns (second on the team), 17 carries for 46 yards and 11 special teams returns for 123 yards.

Against Jacksonville, Rainey and third-round draft pick Bernard Pierce rotated in and out with the first team in the second quarter, after Ray Rice exited the game.

"I think I have, but I can't worry about that right now," Rainey said, when asked if he believes he's done enough to earn a roster spot. "I can only control what I can control and that's to continue to play game by game, and stack them, and let the chips fall."

Seven WRs? Harbaugh mentioned Baltimore has a history of keeping six receivers on its roster in recent years and was asked if that was the philosophy for this year as well.

"We could, we just have to see," Harbaugh said. "It could be seven, it could be five. We just have to see how it shakes out with other positions, injuries are a part of that."

Harbaugh stated the importance special teams would play in the roster decisions. If Baltimore opts for seven receivers, Deonte Thompson could have a role due to how he's performed on special teams so far. It would also help the organization keep sixth-round draft pick Tommy Streeter, who has tremendous upside and potential.

Injury report: Streeter sustained a sprained foot and was absent from practice. OLB Sergio Kindle (shoulder stinger) remained in a non-contact red jersey.

Also missing practice: WR David Reed (ACL), S Emanuel Cook (broken leg), S Sean Considine (two concussions), LB Stevie Baggs (undisclosed), LB Josh Bynes (vertebrae), OLB Terrell Suggs (Achilles), RG Marshal Yanda (leg), OL Jah Reid (calf), DT Ryan McBean (broken leg). Harbaugh said Yanda's leg injury is a "strain" and that he would have played Thursday if it was a regular-season game.

Follow Ravens reporter Jason Butt on Twitter @CBSSportsNFLBAL.