“Doom” will make his 2016 debut Sunday versus the Oakland Raiders after missing the first three games due to a setback with his surgically-repaired foot.
“I guess my guy already said it, so … I’m excited to go out in front of our crowd,” Dumervil said with a laugh. “I’m excited. It’s time.”
Dumervil missed all of the offseason workouts and never practiced fully during training camp. He returned to the practice field last week and turned up the intensity to test out his foot.
His body has responded well, and the pain has subsided. Dumervil has previously said his ability to play in a game was a pain-tolerance issue.
“I think as a competitor, you always want to go out and compete to help your team,” Dumervil said. “But sometimes, the doctors, the head coach, oversee things a lot better than you can as a player. Sometimes it’s good to listen.”
Without Dumervil, the Ravens have still gotten good pressure on opposing quarterbacks so far this season. They are tied for seventh in the NFL with nine sacks, led by three each from outside linebacker Terrell Suggs and defensive tackle
Adding Dumervil to Suggs gives the Ravens their dynamic duo that led the NFL in sacks (29) in 2014. It will be the first time that they’ve played together since the Ravens’ regular-season opener last year on Sept. 13.
“I’m hoping Elvis is back to the Elvis of old and he can give us an edge rush like he always gives us,” Defensive Coordinator Dean Pees said, adding that it would help him not have to blitz as much to create pressure.
The Ravens could greatly use Dumervil’s pressure against the Raiders, who have given up just two sacks on quarterback Derek Carr this year. Oakland gets rid of the ball quickly, and Dumervil said he’s excited for the challenge of taking on such a talented offense.
It remains to be seen just how much action Dumervil will see in his debut, however. The Ravens have eased Suggs in, and Suggs said coaches would let Dumervil knock some rust off in his first game.
“That’s coaches’ decision,” Dumervil said. “If they need me for 10-20, whatever the reps are, I’m just going to go out and give what I can give.”
Dumervil said the time away from football made him reflect and “recommit” to why he plays the game. He’s 32 years old and in his 11th season.
“I had some time to reflect on how I want to end my career and how I want to attack this season,” Dumervil said.
“You revalue playing in this game because you never know when you’re healthy enough or when things could be taken away from you. It puts it in perspective and you try to dominate every play you can.”
