During the first day of mandatory mini-camp, the only notable no-show for the Ravens was Pro Bowl guard Marshal Yanda. Toward the end of practice, Yanda emerged from the team’s training facility and walked onto the field. Prior to joining his teammates, Yanda stopped to speak with team owner Steve Bisciotti and assistant general manager Eric DeCosta.
Yanda’s absense from the field was brought up during head coach John Harbaugh’s press conference, though Harbs didn’t feel like disclosing the nature of Yanda’s injury. He did, however, provide a timetable for Yanda’s return.
“We expect him back by camp to some degree,” Harbaugh said. “[Yanda] has done a great job with the rehab. He’s right on schedule, probably ahead of schedule. He’s doing really well.”
Shortly after practice concluded, the Baltimore Sun reported that Yanda underwent shoulder surgery.
Having Yanda sidelined this early into the preseason isn’t necessarily that alarming for the Ravens. As soon as he’s ready, there should be no doubt that Yanda will return back onto the field.
From afar, Yanda appeared to have lost a few pounds, likely while limiting his workouts to cardio and lower extremities while rehabbing his shoulder.
With Yanda unable to practice, guard/tackle Jah Reid filled in for the two-time Pro Bowler. Reid’s 2012 season got off to a bad start as he missed most of training camp with a right calf injury and he re-aggravated it during a preseason game. Reid didn’t return to a full participant in practice until November 1, and ended up starting the final seven games of the regular season. Prior to the Ravens’ double-ovetime thriller in Denver, Reid was placed on injured reserve with turf toe, ending his season.
Even though nothing is official, the offensive line is practically set with center Gino Gradkowski being the only question mark heading into his second season. Gradkowski has been running with the first team offense during drills.
At this point Reid appears to be the top backup option for Harbaugh at either of the interior line positions.
Regardless of Yanda’s actual timetable for return, it’s encouraging to see Reid out on the field so early into preparations for next season. He has clearly struggled with injuries of his own, and staying healthy and proving he can be a capable backup will be key for the former third-round pick to shed the “bust” label.
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