The first week of training camp has began and the injury bug is already biting the Baltimore Ravens.
The Ravens have one of the biggest injury reports so far at this early juncture in the season. After a strong draft of young defensive talent, they will need to mature quickly if this team wants to make a run.
In an interview, owner Steve Bisciotti was quoted saying “we’re keeping our door open” when asked about bringing aboard new players. The Ravens even brought in Robert Griffin III for a workout to add QB depth after the Joe Flacco back injury. Reports are that Flacco could return Week 1 after some weeks of rest and rehab.
Sadly, the Ravens have already lost at least 5 players for the season due to suspension, injury or retirement.
No new absences for Ravens. Those sidelined: Flacco (back), Canady (knee), Dixon (knee), Gillmore (knee), Campanaro (toe)
— Jeff Zrebiec (@jeffzrebiec) July 30, 2017
Joe Flacco – Back strain
News broke that Joe Flacco suffered a back injury and Ravens nation froze. The sixth-highest paid player and quarterback in the NFL could miss between three and six weeks after straining his back lifting weights.
Ryan Mallet was the only back up on the roster before the signing of former Arena League QB David Olsen. Big news came out that Colin Kaepernick could be signed but the team is still gauging the backlash by fans if the move is made. With Mallet’s poor performance in training camp, the team is looking at alternative options and Kaepernick or Griffin could be brought on.
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Kenneth Dixon – Torn Meniscus
After Ray Rice was released in 2014, running back has been a position of uncertainty. But Kenneth Dixon was touted as the next RB to take over that spot by the fans. First, Dixon was suspended four games for PEDS. Then, he tore his meniscus in training camp and is now done for the season. It goes without saying that meniscus surgery will be needed. The Ravens had signed RB Danny Woodhead to lighten the load even before the suspension had occured. With Woodhead and Terrance West being the only backs comfortable enough to start, the Ravens signed Bobby Rainey. Although unexperienced with only 266 carries in six years, Rainey was apart of the organization in 2012 and could see some snaps.
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Tavon Young – Torn ACL
To me, the most devastating injury so far this season has been promising young cornerback Tavon Young. With the slew of injuries at CB last season, Young stepped up at outside corner and in the slot. With the addition of rookie Marlon Humphrey and veteran Brandon Carr, Young would be moved back to the slot permanently where he’s more comfortable. But an ACL tear is automatically at least eight months out so Young won’t see the field this season. Sophomore corner Maurice Canady, the candidate for his immediate replacement, was also injured in training camp which will weaken the secondary further.
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Maurice Canady – Torn Meniscus
The Baltimore Ravens drafted cornerback Maurice Canady in the seventh round in 2016 for much needed secondary depth. His rookie season was cut to four games due to a hamstring injury. And in 2017, the injury bug plagues him again, but this time with a torn meniscus. His time off the field depends on how the surgery on his knee goes. A partial tear will keep him out for 6-8 weeks but a full tear could end his season. Canady has been impressive in OTA’s/training camp and looked prime to be a breakout player. Lardarius Webb and recently signed veteran Brandon Boykin will look to fill the void at nickel slot corner.
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Crockett Gillmore – Torn Meniscus
Crockett Gillmore‘s career has been injury riddled after the 2015 season. Early on in the 2016 season, Gillmore showed loads of promise but another injury has railroaded his season. Monday July 31st is when Gillmore will have his surgery and will be re-evaluated after. A torn meniscus is an injury that makes the timetable for return vary by the type of tear. Just like with Canady, Gillmore could be out for the entire season or just 6-8 weeks. Ravens have signed former Giants tight end Larry Donnell who is capable of being a receiving threat. On the roster is also Nick Boyle, Maxx Williams and Ben Watson, the latter two both returning from major injuries last season.
Coach Harbaugh said that TE Crockett Gillmore and CB Maurice Canady have cartilage tears and are getting evaluated Monday.
— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) July 31, 2017
