The Baltimore Ravens placed six players on the physically unable to perform list on Saturday, but it's a list that doesn't include quarterback Joe Flacco.
This is a great sign for Flacco, who can participate in the first full-team training camp practice on Thursday. Flacco and the Ravens believed he would be ready to come back at this time after missing the entire offseason while recovering from season-ending knee surgery.
The six Ravens put on PUP -- outside linebackers Terrell Suggs (Achilles) and Elvis Dumervil (foot); wide receivers Steve Smith Sr. (Achilles) and Breshad Perriman (knee); running back Trent Richardson (leg); and cornerback Jumal Rolle (Achilles) -- can return to practice when activated. But they would have to miss at least the first six weeks if they remain on PUP to start the regular season.
The biggest question marks for the Ravens are Suggs and Perriman. Suggs, who tore his Achilles in last year's season opener, has a chance to be ready for the regular season, but there are no guarantees, according to coach John Harbaugh. Perriman, who partially tore his anterior cruciate ligament last month, has a chance to return for training camp, but there's uncertainty because of his slow recovery last season.
Dumervil, Smith and Richardson are expected to participate in training camp at some point. Smith will likely sit out all of the preseason games.
Rolle tore his Achilles in offseason workouts and will miss the entire season.
Like Flacco, cornerback Jimmy Smith (foot) and tight end Dennis Pitta (hip) were not on the PUP list. Smith missed the entire offseason after undergoing a procedure on his foot, and Pitta is looking to come back after fracturing his hip in consecutive years. Both will be able to suit up for the team's first practice Thursday.
