No timetable for Gaither
While offensive tackle Adam Terry has returned to practice after spraining his surgically repaired left ankle, offensive tackle Jared Gaither's progress has been slower.
Gaither, who has not practiced since injuring his right ankle on July 26, said he was unsure when he would be able to suit up for the Ravens. “Whenever I’m healthy, that’s when I’m going to show back up," he said. "I don’t know if it’s going to be for these last two preseason games or for [Sept.] 7th [the date of the regular-season opener against the Cincinnati Bengals]. But I do know that when I’m truly healthy, I will be back on the field.”
The Ravens have compensated for Gaither's absence by primarily using Chad Slaughter at left tackle with Mike Kracalik also getting a few reps on the left side. The youthful but inexperienced offensive line could use a boost from Gaither's return, but the tackle said he is not pressing the issue.
“I’ve been pushing myself the whole time," he said. "There’s added pressure anyway with a new playbook, a new system, just a whole new philosophy. So I don’t want to put any pressure on myself or my ankle.”
Gaither admitted that it has been frustrating watching from the sidelines and not being able to contribute. But he said he's taking it in stride.
"Everything happens for a reason," he said. "God is going to take care of me, and I’m just in His hands right now. When I’m ready, I’ll know, and everyone else will know.”
Comments
Just wanted to say to the guys that post this blog.
Please keep up the work. I love this blog and I think the amount, and type of information is right on the money.
Thank a lot!!
Neil
Posted by: Neil B. | August 19, 2008 3:50 PM
I know the tackle issues have been major for us already in 2008. But I read today on CoastToCoastRavens.com about how bad our DBs are once we move beyond McAlister and Rolle. I think that is our biggest issue. Our offense needs work of course, but our defense was the one always giving up big plays last year. I hope we don't see more of the same in 2008.
Posted by: Maurice | August 19, 2008 6:35 PM
Just wanted to chime in this is going to be a long year. The preseason isn't over and half our starters are injured. There's more money on the sideline, not including Mr. B the owner, than are on the practice field. The quarterback situation is a mess and running back is going to be interesting at best. And I'm not going to talk about offensive line. This truly a rebuilding year and as fans we've got to live with it. People got upset when Mike & Mike on ESPN predicted a 4-12 season, but if we stop looking at our team through rose colored glasses. We'll realize they just maybe right. LOVE MY RAVENS, BUT IT'S JUST GOING TO BE A LONG SEASON.
Posted by: kenny c | August 20, 2008 9:59 AM
Boy we wouldn't want Gaither to put any pressure on himself or his ankle , that's not what football is all about , who wants or needs pressure ? Gaither sure doesn't , he already has his million up front so why should he put pressure on anything , sounds like another Willis to me..........I won a super bowl you know.........
Posted by: Billick | August 20, 2008 10:33 AM
I think that the addition of Fabian Washington could provide decent depth. Also if Derick Martin can play the way he did during the Pittsburg game he could be a big help. Losing Pryce last year also hurt because we werent getting the pressure on the QB while still leaving our backs on islands. Also remember that we still havent seen a preseason game w/ Suggs, our best pass rusher. So I'm hoping for better DB play this year but am not as confident in the O line.
Posted by: Jon | August 20, 2008 12:04 PM
Whatever you do Gaither, let it heal first.
Posted by: Hinestench | August 20, 2008 2:13 PM
why has his ankle been rule a sprain when it must be more serious, I know the NFL has a why of pushing people back before its time, they have did it time and time again. . like Todd Heap last year & Ed Reed now, they said he is fine but when he talked he said he is in worst shape then they reported. . .Its like they want to make the player look bad.
Posted by: B-more-careful | August 20, 2008 2:32 PM
Maurice,
Hopefully the DBs will mature in the next few preason games- but you are right that position is a problem. While in 08 the DBs got burned non stop, we also had no help from the pass rushers. The QBs had all the time in the world to throw last year because we couldnt get pressure on the QB.
Posted by: TERPS19 | August 20, 2008 3:03 PM
B-more careful wrote: "why has his ankle been rule a sprain when it must be more serious?" Shredding your ligaments and completely tearing them is still technically a "sprain." A lot depends on the severity and specific location(which ligaments) and that is information we have not heard.
Just because it's a sprain doesn't necessarily mean it's minor, at all.
Posted by: Tim | August 21, 2008 4:27 PM