When the Ravens opened Wednesday's practice for Organized Team Activities (OTAs), veteran defenders Lardarius Webb and Jameel McClain were both out on the field.
That's good for Baltimore.
Webb is working his way back from a torn ACL suffered in Week 6 last year, and McClain is recovering from a spinal cord contusion that ended his season after 13 games.
Both players participated in individual drills, but did not go through full-team drills.
As part of individual drills, Webb was able to backpedal and also displayed a good burst in breaking on balls. McClain went through a similar series of non-contact drills.
"Very encouraged with Lardarius and Jameel really throughout [their recoveries]," Head Coach John Harbaugh said. "They've both done a great job with their rehab. They've had no setbacks, so we're on schedule."
Harbaugh has previously said that Webb and McClain "should be ready to roll" by training camp.
When Webb and McClain get back to full-strength, they are both expected to re-gain their starting jobs. Webb was the team's top cornerback and playing at a Pro Bowl level before getting hurt, and McClain had started for three straight years before going down.
Webb's torn ACL ishis the second in the past three years, but the injuries occurred on different knees. Going through the recovery process already has given him an understanding and expectation for what to expect this time around.
"It did help], just from a confidence level, knowing what I’m going to have to go through,” [Webb said last month. "It made it very easy. All I can do is just come here and work every day, and that's what I'm going to do."
The spinal cord contusion is the first serious injury of McClain's career, and he's met with specialists throughout the process to determine the best recovery options. While neck injuries are always taken seriously, McClain has said he doesn't fear that the injury is career threatening and that he'll still be able to play this season.
