Ravens relying heavily on the health of their wide receivers

Roster cuts have come and gone. Practice squads are becoming full. The Ravens are looking sharp, but there’s a worrisome reliance on the receiving unit.

As of now, there are only five receivers on the Baltimore Ravens roster:

1. Jeremy Maclin
2. Mike Wallace
3. Breshad Perriman
4. Chris Moore
5. Michael Campanaro

There is no shortage of talent with these five. Quite possibly the best pure receiving unit this franchise has ever fielded. There is the issue though, of health.

Two players, Perriman and Campanaro, have received a raw deal when it comes to staying injury free. By no fault of their own, both have spent excessive time off the field.

The Worry

Perriman sustained yet another training camp injury this year. He hasn’t received full participation consistently. Never a ramp-up phase, only immediate game-action, which must be difficult.

Campanaro is another play with incredible athleticism, but consistent minor injuries holding him up. It feels as though both players are too fast and strong for their own good.

Both players feel as though they’re one hit from being sidelined. That statement is true for every player in the NFL. One hit from serious injury. But these players feel one hit from the minor injuries, which stack upon themselves and keep you out of snaps, then practices, then games. The knicks and bumps which turn to probables and doubtfuls. It’s not their fault, but it’s not something to gloss over.

With only five receivers on the roster right now, this is something to take into consideration.

The Good News

Campanaro has participated in an entire training camp and preseason now. He’s looked and played the part of a full-time receiver. He handily won any training camp competition thrown his way. The Ravens acquired multiple players to challenge Mike, yet none came close.

Breshad returned to practice yesterday.

He’s on the practice field, stepping back into the dangerous role he is capable of producing. With Maclin and Wallace on this team, on any given play these three can come up with the home-run shot this offense desperately desires.

What to Expect

The Baltimore Sun’s Jeff Zrebiec has brought up a semi-solution. Baltimore is planning to place Maurice Canady on IR-designated to return. This will open back up a roster spot, which is expected to bring in a wide receiver Chris Matthews. Though it’s mostly for special teams contributions, the Ravens won’t lack fielded a full unit if the injuries once again fall on Baltimore.