And so it is that time of year when the Baltimore Ravens training camp officially ends and they prep for their second preseason game against the Detroit Lions at home on Friday night.
While the starters did not see much playing time in last week’s game against the Atlanta Falcons; that will change this Friday when they are expected to see more playing time. Most are expected to play the entire first half. Head coach John Harbaugh will determine their individual playing time based during the game.
“We will play it by ear right now,” Harbaugh said. “It could be as much as a half, it might not be. We’ll just play it by ear, see how it’s going, and see how many reps we get.”
Unfortunately, some players did not play in last week’s preseason game due to injury and while others were injured during the game and their status for Friday’s game is questionable.
What is the latest on player injuries and their status for Friday? Let’s take a closer look…
- Rookie linebacker Courtney Upshaw missed the game due to a shoulder injury. He was back at practice this week and participated in 11-on-11 drills which is a good sign, but it is unclear if he will play Friday.
- Top 2010 draft pick, cornerback Jimmie Smith, has battled a back injury, but also participated in 11-on-11 drills. He left Wednesday’s practice early for an unspecified reason, no word if he will play yet.
- Wide receiver Torrey Smith tweaked his ankle in the game against Atlanta. He missed practice on Tuesday and Wednesday. No update on his status for Friday’s game.
- Fellow wide receiver Tandon Doss suffered a hamstring injury, but was back in training camp this week and a full participant in Wednesday’s practice. He may see some playing time Friday night.
- Finally, rookie running back Bernard Pierce practiced all week after a hamstring injury. He did not play in the Atlanta game last week, but according to offensive coordinator Cam Cameron, he may see the field Friday if he stays healthy:
“If he can stay healthy the rest of this week, maybe [he will] get some work on Friday night,” Offensive Coordinator Cam Cameron said Tuesday. “We know he’s a talent. We know he can play. We know he’s tough. We like what we see, [we need to] just get him back in the groove and maybe get to look at him Friday night.”
Injuries suck, but they especially suck during the preseason when some players need the practice while others are competing for a roster spot. I am keeping my fingers crossed that they heal quickly and are able to see some playing time.
I am especially anxious to see Uphsaw hit the field. He has a chance to start this season due to Terrell Suggs’ Achilles Tendon injury, it would be nice to see him in action, and I’m dying to see what he can do.
I still don’t care whether the Ravens win or lose to the Lions; I just want a good game with little to no injuries.
Zennie Abraham