Harbaugh Confident Ravens Will Return
Feb 27, 2010, 7:09PM
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There are several players with question marks over their heads – at least from fans and media – regarding their status on the Ravens’ 2010 roster.
Pundits have questioned whether Willis McGahee is worthy trade bait considering the emergence of Ray Rice. Troy Smith’s agent peculiarly posted a trade demand for his client on Twitter.
Ed Reed has hinted at retirement because of a nerve impingement in his neck. And, there are also multiple Ravens attempting to return from torn knee ligaments.
Head Coach John Harbaugh believes all parties will be back in purple and black next year.
Coach Harbaugh said he was proud of the way McGahee was strong at the end of the season, when the Ravens counted on him in Week 17 to rush for 167 yards and three touchdowns against the Oakland Raiders, clinching a playoff spot.
“I think McGahee will be on our team next year,” Coach Harbaugh said Saturday at the NFL Scouting Combine. “For him to play the way he did at the end of the year and to be in the kind of shape that he was in, I’m just impressed with the guy. He’s a leader on our football team and one of the most fun guys to be around every day.”
As far as Smith is concerned, Harbaugh said he understands why Smith, a true competitor, would want a chance to start, something unlikely considering Joe Flacco’s hold on the quarterback position.
“Troy Smith is a Raven. He’s still with the team,” Coach Harbaugh explained. “I think he’s really a good quarterback. I think he can play quarterback in this league as a starter. That’s why we like him as our backup, because at some point in time, we’re going to need a guy to come in and win two, three, four games for us if Joe gets hurt.”
Coach Harbaugh was not, however, averse to a Smith trade should the circumstances fit his team.
“At some point in time, I think we understand Troy’s desire to be a starter,” he continued. “But Troy is our backup quarterback at this point, and I don’t think we’re going to change that unless it benefits our football team.”
Reed is more of a mystery. He left the option of retirement open since his “50/50” statement following the Ravens’ playoff loss to the Indianapolis Colts.
“Ed Reed’s playing, as far as I know,” affirmed Coach Harbaugh. “I’ve said it before, Ed’s one of the greatest competitors in football.
“I think Ed’s going to do everything he can to play. If he’s physically able to play, he’ll play. Right now, my assumption is that he will be able to do that. But, if that changes, or Ed changes his mind, obviously that’s his prerogative. We’ll go on the assumption that he’s going to play.”
The Ravens also have three key contributors rehabilitating from torn anterior cruciate ligaments: cornerbacks Fabian Washington and Lardarius Webb and wideout Marcus Smith. Linebacker Brendon Ayanbadejo also suffered from a torn quadriceps tendon.
Is it too optimistic to suggest training camp as a return date?
Webb’s would be the biggest concern, considering he injured his knee in Week 15 and would need a swift recovery to avoid the Physically Unable to Perform list.
“I don’t think it’s too optimistic because of the way those guys are training,” Coach Harbaugh said. “Right now, we expect those guys to be practicing the first day of training camp because nowadays those ACLs get back fast, but I don’t think you can count on it. I’m sure we’ll have a contingency plan.”
