Ravens cornerback Lardarius Webb doesn't like to set deadlines or make promises.
That's something he learned when coming back from his first torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in 2009-10.
So after Thursday's first full-team training camp practice, Webb smiled and modestly said he'll "hopefully" be back for the Ravens' season opener against the Denver Broncos on Sept. 5.
Head Coach John Harbaugh was bolder when asked what's a reasonable expectation for Webb's return.
"It's reasonable that he would be playing against Denver with a state of ACL surgery in recovery," Harbaugh said. "That's definitely our target."
Harbaugh even said Webb has a "very good chance" to get back in time to play in a preseason game at some point. That's not the most important thing, Harbaugh said, but it would be helpful to get some game action before the regular season starts.
The Ravens are still easing Webb in. Webb participates in all individual drills and has been on the field for some in 11-on-11 action. He doesn't participate in all of it, however.
"He can probably do more than we are letting him do, but we aren't going to push it ahead of schedule too much," Harbaugh said.
Webb tore his ACL on Oct. 14 against the Dallas Cowboys. He made a simple cut chasing wide receiver Dez Bryant and crumpled to the ground.
Now Webb is trying to regain trust in that same repaired right knee.
"Yes, I'm trusting it," Webb said. "I think I can be Lardarius Webb again."
