So far, the Baltimore Ravens have avoided the major injury bug, but I’m knocking on wood just in case. Injury is something that Baltimore football is very familiar with, most recently with the secondary last season. While training camp has almost gone without a hitch this year, the Ravens have a few questionable situations with players that haven’t seen much time on the field.

Terrell Suggs is, by far the most concerning injury during the young 2009 season. Suggs, an anchor for the Ravens’ defense over the past several seasons, has been sidelined by an Achilles’ tendon strain. The strain was supposed to put T-Sizzle on the sideline for only a few days, and led some to believe that it was a ruse by the veteran to stay out of the summer heat and let the rookies do all the hard work. But, the practices have added up, and Suggs has not seen action in 20 days, including either of the team’s preseason games. While the Ravens may be playing the whole situation safe, given past history of these “nagging” injuries, it is leaving fans a bit anxious to see Terrell back in pads.

Mark Clayton has also had a problem with staying healthy this preseason. The man who was once thought to be in the running as the new go-to receiver after Derrick Mason briefly retired, Clayton is now struggling to come back from a hamstring injury he suffered in training camp. There were several reports on his injury at the initial time it happened, some saying that it was minor while others claimed that it was much more serious than the team was leading to believe. However, recent reports are more positive, claiming that Clayton will be fully recovered for the regular season. Seeing Mark in the preseason would make most Ravens’ fans feel much more comfortable, but any quick recovery is alright by most.

The third major injury that is plaguing the Ravens has sidelined a player that some have forgotten is still on the roster. Samari Rolle, who was released at the end of last season after a lack of communication with the team, but signed months later, has been on the Physically Unable to Perform List (PUP list) since training camp began. Rolle, who is suffering from a neck injury, has not been cleared to see any action, and could stay inactive for the start of the regular season. Samari’s production has dropped off somewhat significantly in the past year or two, but would still provide a great asset to a secondary that doesn’t include Chris McCalister anymore. Rolle, who has said he is eager to get back on the field, is waiting for the approval from two specialists before he can begin any football activity.

Despite these injuries, as well as season ending injuries to offensive tackle Adam Terry and wide receiver Marcus Smith, the Ravens are looking to be in relatively good shape. Their defense has played both preseason games as if they were playoff games, and the offense is on the verge of getting things straightened out. Hopefully, no major problems will arise, and the Ravens can continue their march to become world champions.