The Ravens got served their first major hurdle of training camp when cornerback Domonique Foxworth tore his anterior cruciate ligament Thursday in a non-contact orientation practice.
Foxworth, who was slated to start after heading the Ravens in all 16 games last year, will be out for the entire season.
While Fabian Washington was removed from the physically unable to perform list, he and Lardarius Webb still are not practicing as they recover from knee injuries. Foxworth’s absence means the Ravens are without their top three corners.
“There was no contact, but he just planted the wrong way,” said Head Coach John Harbaugh. ”We’re disappointed about that.
“We were texting last night, and I know how disappointed he is. Nobody’s worked harder than he has to get ready for this season, and we were counting on him.”
Harbaugh is confident his team has the depth to survive.
The Ravens signed former Pro Bowler Walt Harris this offseason, along with Travis Fisher, who has 74 career starts.
And both K.J. Gerard and Cary Williams showed flashes during offseason minicamps.
“The thing that we’re looking forward to is I can’t wait to see who steps up,” said Harbaugh. ”I can’t wait to see who it is that we’re all talking about a month from now that stepped up to fill that spot. We’re going to have a great defense and a really good football team, and everybody’s got to do their part.”
Harbaugh said there was a possibility that Washington and Webb will be available by the time the Ravens open their 2010 campaign Sept. 13 against the New York Jets.
Washington has told reporters that he is “very close” to playing, while Webb is still farther off in his rehabilitation.
“I feel really good about Fabian,” Harbaugh noted. ”Fabian’s coming along quickly. I feel really good about Lardarius. I think he’s coming along well. I think those guys are going to be back in a reasonable amount of time, but it’s just hard to say. You can’t predict it.”
Harbaugh also did not rule out signing another free agent.
“I really believe that we’ve got the guys here that can do it,” said Harbaugh. ”But by the same token, if there’s anyone out there to help us, we’re going to bring him in.”
The first reports about Foxworths injury came in via Twitter from the Baltimore media. Get all of these updates and more LIVE during camp at BaltimoreRavens.com/tweetmixx/ and be the first to know, no Twitter account necessary.
