It's a brand new season for the Ravens…but it kinda isn't…because there are lingering injury issues…
Lardarius Webb, a cornerback the Ravens are counting upon to return to top-notch form in 2013, is still not completely healed from ACL surgery…
No position battles will be won over the next three weeks of OTA's. There will be no spirited one-on-one duels between wide receivers and cornerbacks or brawl-inducing hits. … The intensity is entirely different, as in what teams are allowed to do during the sessions.
That said, let’s look at the nine Ravens who are on the road to recovery from inury and their outlook for return:
OLB Terrell Suggs
11-year veteran, reported $13 million cap hit in 2013…
Tore Achilles tendon last offseason (returned after 6 games), tore biceps in December
Zrebiec’s outlook: “He played through the [biceps] injury and then opted not to have surgery this offseason, choosing instead to go the rehab route. Harbaugh and other team officials have expressed hope that a healthier Suggs will return to the form that he showed the previous season when he was the NFL’s Defensive Player of the Year.”
DE Chris Canty
9-year veteran, signed three-year deal in March…
Suffered MCL sprain in December…
Zrebiec’s outlook: “His knee didn’t pass the scrutiny of Green Bay Packers’ team doctors who reportedly wouldn’t sign off on his physical after the team hosted Canty on a free-agent visit. The Ravens’ top decision makers voiced no such concern and all signs point to Canty being ready to go.”
DT Haloti Ngata
8-year veteran, a reported $11.5 million cap hit in 2013…
Suffered sprained knee in Super Bowl…
Zrebiec’s outlook: “[His injury isn’t] expected to affect his preparation for the upcoming season. … His conditioning will be watched closely heading into the 2013 season as the Ravens’ new-look defense needs Ngata to return to his dominant form.”
ILB Jameel McClain
6-year veteran, signed three-year deal in 2012 offseason…
Suffered spinal cord contusion in December…
Zrebiec’s outlook: “[McClain is the] favorite to start alongside rookie second-round pick Arthur Brown. … McClain has had no restrictions in his workout program and he recently spent some time in California with a specialized trainer. As of early this month, he had yet to be given full medical clearance.”
CB Lardarius Webb
5-year veteran, heading into second year of reported $50 million deal signed last offseason…
Tore ACL in Week 6…
“[Webb] has made nice strides by all accounts and suffered no setbacks. … [T]he Ravens obviously are going to proceed with caution with him in the hope that he’ll be ready at some point during training camp.”
NT Terrence Cody
4-year veteran, in final year of rookie contract…
Underwent hip surgery this offseason…
Zrebiec’s outlook: “Training camp will be big for Cody who had a disappointing season last year and could be challenged for his roster spot. The Ravens added several defensive linemen, including nose tackle Brandon Williams, a third-round pick.”
DE Pernell McPhee
3-year veteran, 2011 fifth-round draft pick…
Underwent groin surgery after Super Bowl win…
Zrebiec’s outlook: “In late February, he was noncommittal about whether he would be ready to take part in OTAs and training camp and team officials haven’t recently updated his status.”
T/G Jah Reid
3-year veteran, started 7 games at left guard last season…
Placed on injured reserve before playoffs, underwent surgery to repair dislocated toe…
Zrebiec’s outlook: “By having the surgery when he did, Reid expressed optimism that he’ll be ready to go in time for the OTAs. He has been a fixture at the team facility this offseason, rehabbing the injury.”
DE Kapron Lewis-Moore
Rookie
Tore ACL in BCS national championship game…
Zrebiec’s outlook: “The Ravens drafted the former Notre Dame standout in the sixth round last month, knowing that they were unlikely to get much out of him this year. … [H]e’s expected to start the season either on injured reserve or the physically unable to perform list.”
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