Head coach John Harbaugh announced on Monday that outside linebacker David Ojabo, who had surgery to repair a partially torn ACL, would not play again until the following season.
Ojabo had hoped to play again this season, but he hasn’t since Week 3. Nevertheless, the choice was made to undergo surgery, which will allow the second-year player to start the 2024 campaign at full strength. Ojabo’s season total included six tackles, a forced fumble, and a sack.
“David Ojabo had surgery last week, actually in L.A., to repair a partially-torn ACL,” Harbaugh stated. It was up to him to decide whether or not to take a chance on it. Every medical professional advised having it fixed. Even though it’s a clean type of surgery, I told him, “Man, you’ve got to get that right for the rest of your career,” even though he wanted to play.
“He’ll be rolling again, training camp at the latest.”
Ojabo has dealt with a serious injury for the second season in a row. Before the 2022 draught, during his Michigan Pro Day, he tore his Achilles, and had it not been for that setback, he probably would have gone first overall.
Ojabo was selected by Baltimore in the second round (at pick No. 45 overall), and he was placed on injured reserve for his rookie campaign. After being activated on November 1st, he made two appearances while forcing a fumble.
Ojabo was expected to play a significant role in the Ravens’ pass rush from the start of the season, but even without him in the starting lineup, Baltimore has led the league in sacks (47).
Ojabo was coached by defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald at Michigan, and once he recovers, Macdonald is fully confident in his abilities.
“His career is going to be amazing,” Macdonald remarked. “You obviously feel bad for him given the start to his career. He is currently facing hardship, so he needs our help, and he has it.”
In other injury-related news, Harbaugh stated that although outside linebacker Tyus Bowser has not been able to practise due to a knee injury, he still hopes to return. For the entire season, Bowser has been listed as a reserve/non-football injury.
“Tyus is just trying to get the knee where it can basically handle the loading, the swelling and stuff like that,” Harbaugh stated. “It’s just a knee that seems irate. To be honest, we’re not exactly sure. I haven’t been explicit about it because it’s a bit difficult to understand. He will resume playing as soon as it settles down. He’s working towards that, I know that.
“We will benefit greatly if and when we are able to get him back. Physically, he’s just not ready to begin his (21-day) clock yet. Especially now, I believe we would put him out there and get started if he was prepared to start his clock. Simply said, we’re not there with the knee.”
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