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The Baltimore Ravens mandatory minicamp is well underway as the team begins their quest for the playoffs. One of Baltimore’s biggest priorities is the health of their players as injuries have been a massive detriment to them in recent years. The Ravens have several players on the mend and working hard to return from injuries. They welcomed one of them back on Wednesday.
Jimmy Smith has been of the top cornerbacks in the league, when healthy. Unfortunately, his seasons have come to an abrupt end in back-to-back years, last year being due to a torn Achillies. This significant injury puts his status for the first portion of the season in question. However, the Ravens received great news in minicamp when Smith returned to practice, granted in a limited form, per Luke Jones of WNST:
Luke: Jimmy Smith (Achilles tendon) has returned to the practice field. Has mostly been an observer, but he did some light individual work. Certainly an encouraging sign for training camp and, more importantly, the start of the regular season. #Ravens
— WNST (@WNST) June 13, 2018
While one of the defense’s top players is working his way back and continues to progress, the offense got a bit of bad news. Wide receiver John Brown missed Wednesday’s practice with a tweaked knee, as reported by Luke Jones:
#Ravens not practicing: J. Brown, Yanda (ankle), A. Lewis (back), Mayle, Canady (knee), Levine (foot), Hill (knee), Bradley (knee), Adeboyejo (leg)
— WNST (@WNST) June 13, 2018
Luke: John Brown did appear to tweak his knee at one point yesterday, but he remained on the field and even did some work after practice, making you think it wasn't much of a concern. #Ravens
— WNST (@WNST) June 13, 2018
Hopefully for the Ravens, this doesn’t linger. Brown has a concerning injury history, including hamstring, quadriceps, back, and toe issues in the past. He also carries a sickle cell trait that can prolong recovery.
Baltimore’s offense is already dealing with Alex Lewis’ back spasms. With quarterback Joe Flacco gaining chemistry with his new receivers, losing Brown for an extended period as training camp approaches could stunt that chemistry the Ravens passing offense is trying to gain.