The Baltimore Ravens have completed their mandatory minicamp at the Under Armour Performance Center, and the team will be happy to know that they will leave with the players getting the repetitions they need while avoiding injury.
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One of the greatest concerns entering these minicamps was to avoid injury. The Ravens managed to do just that, with just a few minor injuries being noted. Robert Myers, the team’s fifth-round selection, didn’t practice yesterday with a minor shoulder injury, but was back on the field today. Second-round pick Maxx Williams tweaked something today and did not finish practice, but John Harbaugh made it seem as if the injury wasn’t too serious.C.J. Mosleywas also limited after wrist surgery in April.
Only a handful of players did not participate in practices and most of them are players on the mend from previous injuries.Dennis Pittahas yet to be medically cleared and is not allowed to participate until doctors give him the green light. Wide receiversMichael Campanaro, Cam Worthy andAldrick Robinsonall missed practice, as well as offensive linemenJeremy ZuttahandRicky Wagner. Harbaugh stated after today’s practice that the two linemen are making progress and is hopeful that everyone will be available when training camp opens.
The team is also excited to be welcoming back some of its’ key pieces from injuries last season.Jimmy Smithis not 100 percent, but has been impressive when he has been on the field.Eugene Monroeis hoping a new trainer will help him avoid nagging injuries this season.Lardarius Webbtold reporters yesterday that it felt good to not feel any pain in his back after battling through it much of last season.
The Ravens are hopeful that their luck with injuries this year is much better than last season. The team feel victim to the dreaded injury bug, and were struggling with continuity in the secondary. They had their fair share of injuries on the offensive line, and it was painful to watch Pitta go down without contact.
There were five things that Ravens fans should watch entering minicamps, and avoiding injury was one of the greatest concerns. The injuries to the three aforementioned wide receivers really puts them in a hole entering training camp as some young wide outs have made an impression over the past few days. The competition is certainly a good one. So good that our friends over atEbony Birdasked if theRavens have the best group of wide receivers in league. It is certainly an interesting debate.
There is a question mark about who would start alongsideSteve SmithSr. at receiver. Speculation was that Breshad Perriman would get an opportunity, but it remains to be seen if that is still the case after Perriman had his share of drops this week. The playmaker turning the most heads has beenJeremy Butler, who has been the star of offseason thus far.Joe Flaccois very impressed with the second-year player from Tennessee-Martin.
“Jeremy Butlermight have had 1,500 yards in these three days of minicamp,” Flacco said. “He was incredible.”
It is going to be an interesting battle for the slot position. Butler has certainly made his case over the past few weeks.Kamar Aiken, DeAndre Carter and Campanaro will get as well, but it sounds like at this point in the offseason, it might be Butler’s job to lose.
“The slot is where I’m most comfortable,” Butler said. “This offense has given me the ability to show what I can do as far as being in the slot, being physical with smaller guys, and being quicker with bigger guys.”
Another interesting battle will be who wins the return duties.Lardarius Webbhas openly stated he wants the job, but it’s doubtful the Ravens go that direction with their starting corner.Steve Smithhas also gotten in some action at returner, but he’s too valuable on offense.Asa Jacksonis one of the favorites to take the job, but did not help himself by fumbling a punt on Wednesday. Ultimately, the battle might be between Campanaro and Carter, and the winner will be based on who can make an impact as a receiver also.
The Ravens recently released their training camp schedule, and their first day of practice will be on Thursday, July 30. The organization has put themselves in position to be a contender once again, and the first order of business is staying healthy. If they can do that, they should embark on another terrific season.
Next: Ravens Offensive Line Reunites At Camp
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