After an injury-marred 2021 campaign, the offseason has been kind to the Ravens so far.
Coach John Harbaugh provided updates Thursday for quarterback Tyler Huntley and outside linebacker Jaylon Ferguson and expressed optimism about the long-term rehabilitation for left tackle Ronnie Stanley and running backs J.K. Dobbins and Gus Edwards.
“I’d say they’re all on schedule, but what is the schedule?” Harbaugh said of Dobbins and Edwards, who both suffered ACL tears last offseason. “The knee injuries are a little tougher to say what the schedule is.”
Harbaugh did say he is “hopeful” Stanley, Dobbins and Edwards will all be ready for Week 1 and that they have a chance to return for training camp next month.
Harbaugh said Huntley, who only practiced on Tuesday this week, has tendinitis in his shoulder from the high number of throws he’s made throughout minicamp and organized team activities. With starter Lamar Jackson skipping the nine voluntary practices, Huntley was the Ravens’ top quarterback before Jackson returned this week.
Ferguson sprained his left ankle during Wednesday’s practice, Harbaugh said, as the fourth-year player appeared to roll it during pass-rushing drills. Ferguson had the ankle taped up and returned to the field but was held out entirely Thursday.
Harbaugh did not provide a specific timeline for Huntley and Ferguson to return as the team takes a few weeks off before the start of training camp.
Eleven Ravens missed Thursday’s practice, though most are still recovering from last season’s long list of injuries. Rookie outside linebacker David Ojabo (Achilles tendon) as well as cornerbacks Marcus Peters (knee) and Ar’Darius Washington (foot) have not practiced all offseason. Defensive tackle Michael Pierce did not participate in minicamp because of a “personal matter,” which Harbaugh did not disclose Tuesday.
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Tight end Nick Boyle also did not practice Thursday, but Harbaugh said he just had a scheduled day off.
Dobbins was seen around the facility during minicamp, but did not participate in practice as he continues to rehab alongside Edward and Stanley.
“You talk to J.K., he’s the starting running back,” Harbaugh said. “He should have been practicing today, but he still has work to do. So does Gus.”
Stanley has played just one game since signing his five-year contract worth just shy of $100 million. He injured his ankle in the first game after signing the deal during the 2020 season and played just one game in 2021 before having another ankle surgery.
“Ronnie’s ankle is looking great,” Harbaugh continued. “Ronnie’s mission now will be to get in the best shape of his life.”
A silver lining to Stanley’s injury, Harbaugh said Thursday, is added depth at the tackle position this year. He specifically mentioned rookie Daniel Faalele, a fourth-round draft pick and the biggest player in the NFL at 6-8, 380 pounds. At that size, Faalele is working on his conditioning to be at the NFL level.