When the Ravens signed Pro Bowl cornerback Jaire Alexander, they knew he came with a lengthy injury history.

They had a plan to get him “healthy and rolling,” coach John Harbaugh said in June, and when Alexander missed practice Aug. 9, Harbaugh did not express concern.

Alexander had to have his knee worked on, Harbaugh explained, and would miss a few days of practice.

But a few days turned into a few weeks. Still, Harbaugh did not worry that the veteran cornerback would miss the season opener against the Buffalo Bills.

Finally, on Wednesday, 25 days after he first missed practice, Alexander returned.

In the portion of practice open to the media, Alexander participated in all of the defensive backs’ drills. He was listed as a limited participant on the injury report.

However, it is unclear if Alexander will start immediately. Over the course of training camp, he had asked to be eased into things, according to secondary coach Chuck Pagano, because he hasn’t played since November. He worked with the first and second teams at the start of training camp.

Cornerback Chidobe Awuzie played well during that time and continued to do so after Alexander stepped away from practice. Awuzie, another veteran, was expected to take over the third cornerback position Brandon Stephens left behind prior to Alexander signing.

Alexander must get back to full strength and show he deserves snaps more than Awuzie before he can solidify a role as the starter.

Asked Wednesday about Alexander’s status for the season opener against the Buffalo Bills, Harbaugh said, “We’ll see how it goes this week.”

With Alexander’s return, tight end Isaiah Likely (foot) and fullback Patrick Ricard were the only players on the active roster missing from practice.

Likely was outside with the team but was not dressed for practice. Harbaugh delivered a positive update.

“After about the first two days, he kind of locked in and got patient, became patient,” Harbaugh said. “And has just done really well. ... I would say maybe ahead of schedule, probably. So we’ll have to see how that goes, going forward. But I think he’s been good. He’s probably going to start getting antsy here pretty soon.”

Harbaugh previously said Ricard has a soft tissue injury. The injury report labeled it as a calf injury. Harbaugh declined to comment on Ricard’s game status.

Right guard Daniel Faalele was also limited due to illness.

The Bills had two players missing from practice, including former Ravens cornerback Tre’Davious White, who has a groin injury. Defensive tackle DeWayne Carter (Achilles) was also missing.

Three players were limited: kicker Tyler Bass (groin, left hip), cornerback Christian Benford (groin) and wide receiver Keon Coleman (groin). Wide receiver Khalil Shakir (ankle) returned to practice.

All of the players on the Bills’ injury report, outside of Carter, were expected to be starters.