WESTMINSTER -- The Baltimore Ravens' strong alliance with the U.S. military was reinforced Wednesday afternoon as the team hosted roughly 500 uniformed personnel at training camp at McDaniel College.

And the Ravens' Military Appreciation day featured bringing the troops, including some badly injured veterans from Walter Reed onto the field after practice to stand outside the team huddle. The military personnel were granted special reserved bleacher seating during practice.

"We thank you for everything you do," Ravens coach John Harbaugh told the soldiers and Maryland National Guard members. "We can't thank you enough."

Harbaugh visited the Persian Gulf in July as part of an inaugural NFL-USO Coaches Tour, meeting troops at several bases along with fellow NFL head coaches Tom Coughlin (New York Giants) and Jeff Fisher (Tennessee Titans) and former Tampa Bay Buccaneers coach Jon Gruden.

For undrafted rookie linebacker Tony Fein, it was an especially meaningful experience as he's an Iraq veteran who served as a Army infantry recon scout.

"Coach Harbaugh preaches how hard these guys work overseas," Fein said. "We're very appreciative of what those guys do, and I know on a first-hand basis."

Fein said that the military personnel were already aware of his service in the Army.

"They talked to me about it," he said. "Word spread, so guys have been asking me a couple of questions."

The big military presence also struck an emotional chord with Ravens cornerback Domonique Foxworth because his father served 20 years in the Army.

"It was a tremendous opportunity for us to show our appreciation for the sacrifices they've made," Foxworth said. "There's no way we can really show them how grateful we are. I know a portion of the sacrifices they've made, what their families and children go through. We're really grateful to spend time with them."

REMEMBERING McNAIR: In honor of former Ravens quarterback Steve McNair, who was murdered by his 20-year-old girlfriend last month in Nashville, wide receiver Derrick Mason is honoring his close friend and former teammate’s memory by wearing his No. 9 jersey for the rest of the season during practice.

Mason will remain in his No. 85 jersey in actual games, but wore No. 9 for the first time Wednesday.

Mason declined interview requests with a team official explaining that Mason didn't want to talk about a personal matter.

INJURY UPDATE: Offensive guard Chris Chester limped off the field after injuring his lower right leg. The seriousness and nature of the injury are unclear.

Pro Bowl outside linebacker Terrell Suggs did some light jogging on the side and is no longer limping much, weeks after straining his left heel and incurring a tight Achilles' tendon.

Suggs made no prediction on when he'll be able to practice.

"I see him running around a little bit and we're very hopeful that he'll be back very soon," defensive coordinator Greg Mattison said of Suggs. "That's totally up to the doctors. One thing I know: Terrell wants to be out here."

Wide receiver Mark Clayton ran pass patterns at half-speed on an adjacent field for the second day in a row.

Also not practicing: offensive tackle Stefan Rodgers, whose leg is in a boot, and rookie linebacker Dannell Ellerbe (sprained right medial collateral ligament).

"I'm not too sure if it's going to be a week or more," said Ellerbe, whose leg is in a brace and a compression sleeve. "I'm praying it's going to be just a week. I'm just glad it wasn't a worse injury."

Cornerback Samari Rolle (neck) remains on the physically unable to perform list.

When asked if he thought Rolle would recover in time to play this year, Mattison replied: "I don't know. I haven't talked to [trainer Bill Tessendorf.] That's just really out of my control. I don't know that."

Wide receivers Demetrius Williams (right hamstring), Biren Ealy (groin) and Yamon Figurs (foot surgery) returned to practice after a couple of days off.

Free safety Haruki Nakamura was helped off the field, but it's not believed to be a serious injury.

Inside linebacker Jameel McClain stopped practicing for a while due to a sore right shoulder, but returned.

Offensive tackle Jared Gaither is practicing despite a protective brace on his hand and wrist.

QUICK HITS: Wide receiver Marcus Smith is officially on injured reserve after clearing waivers after being injury-waived over the weekend. ... Former Ravens offensive tackle Orlando "Zeus" Brown attended practice. Brown is now the owner of a Fatburger franchise. ... Free safety Ed Reed is back in the red jersey, signifying that he's off-limits to contact. He hadn't been wearing a red jersey lately. ... Despite resorting to illegal grabbing and holding tactics, cornerback Frank Walker was repeatedly beaten for deep touchdown passes.

Aaron Wilson covers the Baltimore Ravens for the Carroll County Times and the Annapolis Capital.