WESTMINSTER — Baltimore Ravens veteran cornerback Samari Rolle remains sidelined due to a neck injury that has plagued him since last season, and the condition has prompted the team to send him to another specialist as a precautionary measure.
Rolle is still on the physically unable to perform list, and that status doesn’t appear likely to change anytime soon.
Rolle, 33 underwent neck surgery last season, but missed a total of six games.
"We just don’t want to take any chances with a neck," Ravens coach John Harbaugh said. "He had the surgery last year, so we’re sending him to another specialist. They’re going to do some tests. We just want to make sure.
"It’s not like he needs this portion of training camp. Of course, we would love him to have him out here, but I guess when you balance it out, you say, ‘Let’s make sure he’s all right first.’"
The Ravens had recently been anticipating that Rolle was nearing his return. He has had an electric device attached to his neck to stimulate healing.
“I’m getting there,” Rolle said early in camp. “It’s something that you have to be patient about. I can’t wait to be back.”
Rolle was released during the offseason at his request. Then, he was re-signed to a four-year, $10 million contract.
Rolle is slated for nickel back duty if/when he returns with Domonique Foxworth and Fabian Washington fairly entrenched at this point as the two starters.
Rolle was diagnosed with epilepsy in 2007, but has handled that condition with medication. He suffered a spinal cord concussion as a rookie in 1999.
In 11 NFL seasons, Rolle has registered 454 career tackles, 31 interceptions and 138 pass deflections.
Aaron Wilson covers the Baltimore Ravens for the Carroll County Times and the Annapolis Capital.
