The Baltimore Ravens got what has become a rare and welcomed positive injury related development on Tuesday. Veteran defensive tackle Derek Wolfe practiced for the first time this season after being designated to return from injured reserve.
We have designated DE Derek Wolfe for return, allowing him to practice Tuesday. pic.twitter.com/vRXxBXhcHp
— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) October 26, 2021
Wolfe has been out of commission since suffering a back/hip injury during the team's joint practices with the Carolina Panthers ahead of their Week 2 preseason matchup. The Ravens had hoped that he would've been able to get back on the field in the the first month of the season but placed him in short-term injured reserve on Oct. 2. They now have 21 days to decide on whether to promote him to the active 53-man roster but he should be back well before then.
His return to practice is the first step in what will hopefully be an upward trajectory of health for the roster — which will provide a defense that's been lacking consistency a much-needed boost.
The 10-year veteran defensive lineman was a sturdy anchor in the middle of a banged-up front-seven in his first season with the team. He finished the 2020 regular season with 51 total tackles including six for a loss, a sack, a fumble recovery and four quarterback hits. In the two playoff games, he added seven more tackles including five solos, another sack and two more quarterback hits.
Wolfe was brought back on a three-year deal worth $12 million in the offseason. He will be a factor as a valued member of the rotation in the Ravens' defensive trenches alongside fellow veterans Calais Campbell and Brandon Williams, as well as second-year pro Justin Madubuike.
Whether it’s hunting in the backfield or stuffing the run, Derek Wolfe will be doing it for another 3 years as a Baltimore Raven! #RavensFlock pic.twitter.com/MiCHfJdq9O
— Nic Mason (@British_Raven19) March 16, 2021
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