The Baltimore Ravens ended the 2015 season with a number of injuries to key players. Consequently, they began the 2016 training camp sessions with a number of key players listed on the Physically Unable to Perform List. But slowly and surely, they have been gradually getting all of their missing pieces back on the table.
In recent days, they have seen two presumed starters removed from the PUP list, perhaps most significantly outside linebacker Elvis Dumervil, who while he played every game during the season last year, did so while dealing with a foot injury that limited him and required surgery after the season was over.
Also removed from the PUP list was second-year wide receiver Breshad Perriman, a 2015 first-round draft pick, who was forced to sit out his rookie season after he suffered a torn ACL. His second season at first seemed to be at risk with a recurrence of an ACL injury, but it proved not to be severe.
The Ravens took some losses to the wide receiver group during the 2015 free agency period, which was what helped prompt them to look for help at the top of the draft. Perriman was expected to be an immediate starter, and without his presence, the passing game clearly lacked. But he has yet to show that he can be an impactful player, either, of course, given that he has yet to play in a game.
As for Dumervil, he managed only six sacks last season after recording 17 the year before, and is looking to prove that he can still be a top pass-rusher after getting his feet right. He is also getting his partner back in Terrell Suggs, whose Achilles injury in the season opener last year made him a non-presence. He, too, only recently came off the PUP list.
The duo produced over 30 sacks combined just two seasons ago, but both are now older—33 for Suggs, 32 for Dumervil—and both are working their way back from injuries and surgeries. It is unknown if either player will participate at all in the preseason.
As for Perriman, it would be hard to imagine him being ready to be much of a contributor in the season opener if he fails to gain any reps at all over the course of the final two preseason games. the Ravens play next on Saturday, and the training staff will have from now until then to determine whether or not he should be cleared.
While he is off the PUP list, he has not been cleared to undergo full practice sessions, nor has Dumervil, as they are slowly being worked back into the fold. Perriman’s clearance may some sooner rather than later, however, according to the team’s website.
