When the Baltimore Ravens signed former Denver Broncos defensive tackle Ryan McBean, they knew they were getting a player that currently stood to miss the first six games of the 2012 NFL regular season due to a league-mandated suspension for testing positive to performance-enhancing drugs.

However, McBean appealed his suspension, according to a story by Aaron Wilson of the Carroll County Times, saying that the urine specimen was mishandled. Apparently, his appeal had an effect, as the league dropped his suspension to three games, which means he could be ready to play by the time the team is about to play the Cleveland Browns in week four at home on Thursday Night Football.

The Ravens must have believed McBean's story in their decision to sign the 6'5", 305 pound free agent. He adds depth to the defensive line and his four sacks in part-time work for the Broncos last season could provide additional pass pressure that the Ravens now so desperately need in the wake of losing Terrell Suggs to an Achilles Tendon injury.