McClain Medically Cleared to Play

Nov 4, 2012; Cleveland, OH, USA; Baltimore Ravens inside linebacker Jameel McClain (53) during a game against the Cleveland Browns at Cleveland Browns Stadium. Baltimore won 25-15. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports

Baltimore Ravens inside linebacker Jameel McClain has been medically cleared by doctors to resume football activities after suffering a spinal chord contusion last season against the Washington Redskins. McClain, who is still on the league’s physically-unable-to-preform list can resume practicing with his team after the conclusion of week 6 and can then be activated by the Ravens after an evaluation of his progress. The Ravens feel that after their evaluation they will have a better understanding of how far along McClain is in his rehab and they have stated they they feel he will be able to play at some point this season. McClain has stated that he feels it will be sooner, rather than later. McClain did not require surgery to repair any damages to his spinal chord or the area surrounding it. He has also not complained of any pain or discomfort in the injured area for several months.

The Ravens have allowed McClain to continue a normal workout regiment while he’s been placed on the PUP list but they said they will not allow him to continue with any football activities until 100% of the contusion has been healed. They’re not taking any risks with an injury like this which is the obvious decision because rushing it could not only be devastating to his career, but his livelihood as well if he re-injures the area.

In response to the news McClain said “”It’s always positive news, I’ve been saying it since the beginning that if I don’t believe, then who will? We’re taking another step in the direction. When the time comes, we’ll see. I didn’t get anything back yet, but it’s going to be good information.”

Also when prompted about his eventual return to the Ravens McClain said “”I don’t know…You’ll have to talk about that with the head man. I’m just a soldier in the war.”

McClain’s return would be a much appreciated boost to an already stout Raven’s front 7. Before going down in week 14 last season McClain had played in every game since he was signed as an undrafted free agent out of Syracuse in 2008. He had 79 tackles last season with a fumble recovery and 3 passes defended before suffering his injury. McClain very well could have finished with over 100 tackles for the first time in his 5-year career. He’s steadily improved every season since joining the Ravens and coming off of this injury he is going to be hungry to prove that he is not slowing down. The Ravens, before the season started, were able to renegotiate a contract with McClain cutting the $3 Million he was set to make down to $1.5 Million. He has the chance to make back the other $1.5 Million through his performance on the field.