Wednesday brought good news for Baltimore Ravens fans, particularly those concerned about the pass rush and linebacker positions. Two players with differing levels of NFL experience and success returned from injuries requiring intense recovery at the team’s practice in Owings Mills.
Not only are the Ravens expecting OLB Tyus Bowser, who led team in sacks last yr, back at practice today, they are anticipating rookie OLB David Ojabo to make his practice debut this week, perhaps as early as today.
Ojabo, a 2nd-round pick, tore his Achilles at Michigan Pro Day.— Jeff Zrebiec (@jeffzrebiec) October 12, 2022
The Ravens players were surely happy to have Bowser backs, but the front office must have been more excited for the first appearance from second-round pick David Ojabo.
A former Michigan Wolverine, Ojabo was initially pegged to easily be selected in Round 1, potentially even in the Top-15 picks. After a torn Achilles in the spring, however, Ojabo quickly fell down draft boards, ultimately to the Ravens in Round 2.
Personally, I’m surprised by how quickly Ojabo recovered. By no means does this mean he’ll play in the next couple weeks, but Ojabo genuinely looks poised to be an impact player this season.
The Ravens’ Social Media Team celebrated accordingly:
You truly love to see it 🥹@tbowser23 @DavidOjabo pic.twitter.com/6QYgEGRCX6
— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) October 12, 2022
Many fans believed the Ravens really needed a spark, but it might be the case that they’ve already gotten one in Jason Pierre-Paul. I don’t think the JPP move has been discussed enough over the last week or so, but he really showed out on Sunday Night Football:
Jason Pierre-Paul had an 80.3 pass rush grade vs the Bengals on Sunday.
The highest by any Raven in a single game this season 😤 pic.twitter.com/aiqbB371PX
— PFF BAL Ravens (@PFF_Ravens) October 11, 2022
The Ravens, who have had issues w/health and production at OLB, feel good about the outlook at the position. JPP has given them lift. Justin Houston (groin) could return soon. In a few wks, they could have OLB rotation of Oweh, Bowser, Houston, JPP and Ojabo. https://t.co/u5zDuDy0SQ
— Jeff Zrebiec (@jeffzrebiec) October 12, 2022
An experienced presence in the locker room, JPP may be what the defense needed. Sure, they already have a veteran leader in Calais Campbell, but it might take more than one voice. The unit absolutely played better Sunday night.
In fact, with the upcoming returns of Bowser and Ojabo, Baltimore’s EDGE position might turn into a strength:
Outside linebacker is a position of strength for the Ravens when everyone is fully healthy
– Tyus Bowser
– Justin Houston
– David Ojabo
– Odafe Oweh
– Jason Pierre-Paul— Kevin Oestreicher (@koestreicher34) October 12, 2022
Health might not be something Ravens fans are ready to get excited about though, particularly after a few key losses in recent weeks. Regardless of the returns Wednesday, Baltimore has still been hit by the injury bug.
The Ravens' health has improved this season as stars have returned (and more on the way), but three of their four biggest free-agent additions this offseason are now on IR:
S Marcus Williams
DT Michael Pierce
CB Kyle FullerPlease make it stop 😭
— Ryan Mink (@ryanmink) October 12, 2022
If you do want to look toward the positive, though, there are a few dates to keep in mind for future returns:
Ravens now have three guys who are in the midst of that 21-day window where they can practice before they have to either be added to 53-man roster or revert to I.R.
Gus Edwards' window started on Oct 5. Tyus Bowser and David Ojabo's window started Oct. 12.— Jeff Zrebiec (@jeffzrebiec) October 12, 2022
If my math serves me, the latest Edwards will come back will be October 27th, while Ojabo and Bowser will return by November 7th.
This is probably the best time for my recurring segment, Wednesday’s Injury Report. Long story short, it’s full of expected DNPs:
Injury Report for Week 6: pic.twitter.com/hItDlrGeQ7
— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) October 12, 2022
Flipping attention toward the opponent, the defensive front will have to be ready to perform Sunday against the dangerous Saquon Barkley.
John Harbaugh called Saquon Barkley “Public Enemy No. 1.”
— Jamison Hensley (@jamisonhensley) October 12, 2022
Containing Barkley will have to be the Ravens’ top priority. Led by so-so QB Daniel Jones, the Giants offense absolutely works through the former Penn State running back.
Thus far, that offense has provided just enough for New York, who sits comfortable at 4-1 thus far. They won’t be a pushover, as they’ve been playing hard for new Head Coach Brian Daboll, and let’s remember, they’ll be returning players themselves.
We could get some big names back vs the Ravens this Sunday! #NYG #NYGiants
– Leonard Williams
– Azeez Ojulari
– Wan’Dale Robinson
– Tyrod TaylorAll limited in practice today, per Madelyn Burke pic.twitter.com/qcz2WsSMTX
— Fireside Giants (@FiresideGiants) October 12, 2022
Additionally, as a final thought, I’d be remiss not to mention this is a Don “Wink” Martindale revenge game. I expect this matchup to be closer than others might predict.
One Response
This guy (JPP) really has impressed me coming in. You know he’s still learning the defense but at his age he still has power and quickness to win on the edge, it’s impressive. It shows his dedication and commitment to excellence.