According to the Carroll County Times, Baltimore Ravens’ running back Willis McGahee will undergo arthroscopic surgery to his left knee as soon as Monday.
McGahee’s knee has been bothering him since shortly after reporting to training camp in Westminster, and he hasn’t been practicing lately. This is regarded as a clean-up medical procedure.
Because it generally takes two weeks to a month to recover from a knee scope, McGahee could possibly return for the Sept. 7 season-opener against the Cincinnati Bengals.
Yet another hit to the Ravens offense. McGahee was incredibly productive last year (his first year in Baltimore) and was expected to have a huge role in the offense again this season. Given the uncertainly at quarterback (who’s the starter, Kyle Boller or Troy Smith?) and the retirement of Pro Bowl left tackle Jonathan Ogden, the Ravens offense faces a ton of questions.
Even if McGahee plays in the opener, he likely won’t be 100%. He might not even be 100% until the midway point in the season, that is, if he doesn’t suffer any setbacks when he does return.
On the flip side, I’m intrigued at Ray Rice’s potential. Scouts and pundits deemed him too small to play in the NFL, but the former Rutger’s product his a hard-nosed runner and he’s blessed with terrific speed. He won’t be able to take on a full rushing load, but maybe Rice will emerge as a quality compliment to McGahee throughout the season.
JP’s Fantasy Spin: A scope is no big deal, so McGahee should be back for the start of the season, but be sure to draft Ray Rice as a handcuff.
