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The news today is flowing through Baltimore, as they’re the focal point of almost all media outlets. From Kaepernick and Flacco to Urschel’s retirement, and just their first practice starting today, it’s been busy. Let’s recap the excitement.
1. Flacco’s injury — It’s a back issue. There’s no perfect timetable. As it stands, both Schefter and Breer reported one week. Harbaugh today in the post-game presser said one week. Ravens fans, give it a week.
2. Colin Kaepernick — The Ravens are needing another camp arm, at minimum. But if Flacco is to miss an extended period of time, they’ll look to acquire another starting caliber quarterback. Who else is better on the market than the former SBXLVII competitor against the Ravens, Colin Kaepernick. His political ideologies come as massive baggage for any team, and the Ravens prefer a low-profile. Coach Harbaugh said he’s had discussions with Kaep, and we’ll see if anything more transpires.
3. John Urschel — There is so much going on that the surprise retirement of an NFL player is third on this list. Urschel called Harbaugh at 6:22 AM, and informed his head coach he will be retiring from the National Football League. This comes less than a week after a study was conducted on 111 former NFL players, in which 110 had CTE. Being the most intelligent man in football, the man working towards a PhD. in Mathematics from MIT must have realized he wants to preserve his brain, and walk away before the damage continues.
4. Tailback — Dixon’s injury has left a void, and everybody wants to join in. The Ravens signed Bobby Rainey, which Harbaugh said they were planning on it even before the loss of Dixon, and now they may add another. The competition will be something to watch in the future.
6. Offensive Line — With Urschel gone, only Matt Skura challenges Ryan Jensen as the starting center for the franchise. While they may add another in free agency, it felt like Harbaugh trusts one of their own to get it done. At right tackle, James Hurst is the starter, while Alex Lewis continues progressing at left guard.