Since the Baltimore Ravens lost many defensive players during free agency, it is easy to forget that the Baltimore Ravens have two veteran players returning from injuries this season. Cornerback Lardarius Webb tore his ACL in the week six game against the Dallas Cowboys and linebacker Jameel McClain suffered a spinal contusion in the week 13.
Webb and McClain rehabbed this offseason and attended the Ravens Organized Team Activities (OTAs) last week. While both were limited participants; they hope to be ready for training camp in late July.
During the offseason, Webb rehabbed his knee at the Under Armour Performance Center and attended team meetings. After signing a six-year, $50 million contract last summer; Webb is ready to get back on the field.
Ravens’ defensive coordinator Dean Pees is looking forward to having him back:
“It just brings an extra spark to that whole secondary,” Defensive Coordinator Dean Pees said. “He’s another guy where it’s critical we get him back, and we want him back.”
Meanwhile the Ravens are hopeful that six-year veteran linebacker McClain will be ready to go by the start of the season. The Ravens are thin at the LB position after losing Ray Lewis to retirement, Dannell Ellerbe during free agency and cutting Brandon Ayanbadejo.
McClain will help fill the void and provide leadership on the field and in the locker room:
“He’s been in there and run the show when Ray was out for 10 games last year, and four games, the year before,” Pees said. “He’s kind of the only veteran inside guy that we really have in there. So, we really want to get him back.”
The Ravens are hopeful that rookie Arthur Brown will start next to McClain. They also have Josh Bynes, Bryan Hall and Albert McCellan in the mix.
I hope that time was kind to Webb and McClain and healed their wounds. They’re not only good players, they are also leaders. Leadership is something the Ravens desperately need this season. I look forward to seeing both players suited up in September.
Zennie Abraham