The practice mishap was so severe that Sypniewski’s shredded anterior cruciate ligament tore off the bone. Plus, the bone that detached from the ligament was shattered.
The rare injury required major reconstructive surgery to repair the damage. Recently, Sypniewski underwent a cleanup procedure to follow up on the original surgery, according to his agent, Dave Butz.
As the Ravens continue a passing camp today at their training complex, Sypniewski is trying to work his way back in time for training camp to provide the offense with a strong blocking presence.
"It’s common for people to tear the ACL, but it’s not common for people to tear the bone where the ACL is attached," said Sypniewski, who was sidelined last season on injured reserve. "That’s what I’ve been dealing with, trying to get used to the knee moving a little bit differently now."
Sypniewski had been able to participate in some individual drills during minicamps, but still isn’t cleared for full participation after undergoing surgery last week. It’s not clear exactly when he’ll be able to return to practice.
The 6-foot-6, 270-pounder is wearing a protective brace to support the knee.
With countless hours spent rehabilitating the knee with the Ravens’ medical staff over the past year, Sypniewski remains optimistic that he’ll eventually regain his old form.
"I’ve spent a lot of time on it," he said. "Hopefully, it all pays off. I’m out here trying to get better each day and we’ll see how it feels.
"Before I can get back out there completely, I have to be able to practice and not worry about injuring it again. I just want to get to where I’m supposed to be."
Two years ago, Sypniewski replaced injured starter Todd Heap in the lineup and caught a career-high 34 receptions for 246 yards and a touchdown.
With Heap still recovering from a lower back injury suffered during the playoffs, newly-signed veteran L.J. Smith coming off minor surgery to address a previous sports hernia procedure and Sypniewski still out, the majority of the practice repetitions at tight end have gone to converted outside linebacker Edgar Jones and rookie fifth-round draft pick Davon Drew.
Signed this offseason to a one-year, $1.01 million low restricted tender contract, Sypniewski is eager to get back on the football field.
"It’s been a long offseason," Sypniewski said. "It’s nice to finally be able to do some drills because, at this point last year, I was already in the training room. So, it feels good to be back out there. I’ve been working at a fast pace, but you just have to get used to doing everything again. I’m definitely hungry."
NOTE: The Ravens signed undrafted rookie free agent center/guard Robby Felix (UTEP) on Tuesday, the team announced.
Felix suffered a stroke shortly after his final college game, but recovered in time to participate in the NFL scouting combine. However, the four-year starter’s medical issues were deemed serious enough by NFL teams that he was red-flagged medically and went undrafted.
