The Ravens got the bad news they feared.
Rookie defensive end Brent Urban has a torn ACL in his right knee, Head Coach John Harbaugh confirmed Thursday.
"It's a clean tear, so that's the positive," Harbaugh said.
Harbaugh pointed out that Urban has dealt with injuries before and bounced back. He tore the ACL in his left knee five years ago, then fought through a bad ankle injury during his senior year at Virginia, which he had surgery on after the season.
The fourth-round pick was showing promise this year and was lauded for his strength at the point of attack. The 6-foot-7, 295-pounder was also getting his hands on passes.
Urban likely would have been part of a deep rotation at defensive end this season behind starter Chris Canty. The Ravens also have Kapron Lewis-Moore and DeAngelo Tyson at the position. Now Urban will essentially have a redshirt year, and should return at full strength next season.
The injury happened during 11-on-11 running drills. Right tackle Jah Reid was blocking Urban.
"Tough break," Harbaugh said. "It was a one-on-one block. It was just a situation where one guy blocked another guy and the knee just buckled on him."
Fellow rookie defensive lineman Timmy Jernigan was injured on the same play and left practice Wednesday, although he was able to walk off under his own power. He did not return to the field Thursday.
Harbaugh said Jernigan's injury is back spasms.
"He couldn't go this morning with the back spasm, but he'll be back soon," Harbaugh said.
Inside linebacker Daryl Smith and rookie free agent wide receiver Jeremy Butler* *both sat out practice with groin injuries that Harbaugh did not make out as serious.
A few veterans, including outside linebacker Terrell Suggs, defensive tackle Haloti Ngata and wide receiver Jacoby Jones, got rest and recovery days.
