Baltimore Ravens cornerback Samari Rolle will be on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list for at least the opening six weeks of the 2009 NFL season. He'll also undergo his second surgery in under a year after a neck specialist indicated that another procedure could help Rolle get back onto the field.Rolle missed six games last season and hasn't practiced with the team at all this fall. The Ravens released Rolle in March, then resigned him to a four-year deal in April, but he has spent most of his time since trying to heal up.
Per NFL rules, If a player begins the regular season on the PUP list, he must remain there for a minimum of six weeks. The Ravens have a Week 7 bye on their schedule, so the earliest Rolle could return, if healthy, is in Week 8 against Denver. The bye week landing where it actually does benefis Rolle and coach John Harbaugh, who is determined not to rush his injured corner back into action.
"Samari has a chance to come back and play this year," Harbaugh said Monday. "I think when the time comes, we'll be safer than we are at risk. If there's any risk at all, he won't play. But if there's no risk, then he'll have a chance to help this team down the stretch.Chris Carr is the most likely candidate to slide in the top nickel slot -- he's been battling rookie Lardarius Webb and Frank Walker in training camp. Carr has five tackles in the Ravens three preseason games and has played well in the nickel package alongside starting cornerbacks Domonique Foxworth and Fabian Washington.
Harbaugh added "So he was real excited about it. I think he was feeling that it was going to go the other way, I think I was feeling that it was going to go the other way, and it's good news."
When -- and the Ravens should feel extremely fortunate it's when and not if -- Rolle returns to action, he'll probably take back nickel opportunities from Carr.
