Boller's shoulder injury serious, but won't require surgery
Quarterback Kyle Boller has been nursing a shoulder injury for over a week now, and while that injury looks serious, it does not appear that he will need surgery.
Boller could be able to return this season, which is positive news, but his absence for the immeditate future leaves the Ravens with just two quarterbacks. One of the two is Troy Smith, who missed Baltimore's last preseason game with a viral illness, and has not practiced since.
Boller took a big hit two weeks ago against the Minnesota Vikings, and his shoulder has been hurting him badly ever since. He can't raise his arm above his head, and although he threw lightly earlier in the week, he has toned it down since then.
Head coach John Harbaugh called Smith's illness a "tonsil issue" and said the second-year QB is on antibiotics. Smith was away from the team for a couple days earlier this week as he tried to get healthy. His status for tomorrow's preseason finale is questionable, as calling plays in the huddle will be difficult in his condition, and he will likely be a game-time-decision.
If he is unable to play, that again will leave rookie Joe Flacco as the only viable option under center. Flacco was the only healthy QB on Saturday in St. Louis, and played the whole game.
If Smith cannot go (or possibly even if he can), look for the Ravens to pick up a quarterback off waivers. Harbaugh would probably like some insurance so Flacco doesn't have to play the whole game like he did last week, and having just two available quarterbacks is always a risky move.
Regardless of who plays tomorrow, expect all three quarterbacks and other Ravens players to be at the Grid Iron Sing Off at Rams Head Live from 7-10 p.m. on Friday. The event, sponsored by CBS Radio/Baltimore, will feature Boller, Smith, Flacco and some of their teamates singing for charity.
There will also be an autograph session and a silent auction. The event will benefit the University of Maryland Medical System's Hospital for Children and the VA Medical Center of Baltimore.
For more information on the event, check out WHFS' events page.
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