OWINGS MILLS, Md. -- Baltimore Ravens defensive tackle Brandon Williams returned to practice Wednesday after missing the past four games with a foot injury.

Williams' availability for Sunday's game in Minnesota will be determined by how well his foot holds up in practice.

He didn't appear limited in any way and wasn't favoring his foot during the media viewing portion of practice.

Getting Williams back would be a big boost to Baltimore's struggling run defense.

In two games with their top run-stopper, the Ravens allowed an average of 85 yards rushing. In four games without Williams, Baltimore has given up more than twice that (169.5 yards per game).

The Ravens showed how much they valued Williams in the offseason, when they signed him to a five-year, $52.5 million deal.

"Obviously, he's a great player," Harbaugh said "When you take a great player out of the middle of your defense, it's going to have an impact."

The Ravens also designated cornerback Maurice Canady to return off injured reserve. Canady, a nickelback, practiced Wednesday, and Baltimore has three weeks to determine whether to activate him.

Canady injured his knee during training camp. The other player who is expected to be designated to return over the next couple of weeks is running back Danny Woodhead (hamstring).