Boldin’s Return Will be Huge for Ravens’ Offense

| Jan 04, 2012 | 503 comments
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(Credits: Mitch Stringer/US Presswire)

Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Anquan Boldin is set to return to practice this week after being sidelined the past two games after undergoing knee surgery to repair a slightly torn meniscus, according to Aaron Wilson of The Carroll County Times.

Boldin, 31, will bolster the Ravens’ passing game when they play host to either the Houston Texans, Denver Broncos or Pittsburgh Steelers in the AFC divisional round.

Despite playing in 14 games this season, Boldin led all Ravens receivers in both receptions (57) and receiving yards (887). He also had three touchdowns.

The only receiver that has caught a pass during Boldin’s absence has been rookie Torrey Smith, who has seven catches in the team’s past two games.

In fact, the Ravens had second-year tight end Dennis Pitta line up at wide receiver last Sunday at Cincinnati in the team’s 24-16 victory. Pitta excelled, hauling in six passes for 62 passes and a touchdown.

Boldin told reporters he almost felt well enough to play against the Bengals in the regular-season finale. He returned to practice last Friday on a limited basis and was upgraded from out to doubtful on the team’s final injury report after being cleared by the renowned Dr. James Andrews, who performed his surgery.

“I’m cool,” Boldin said, via The Carroll County Times. “I’m able to play. If it was a playoff game, I definitely would have been able to play. I played with it partially torn all year. It got to the point where my knee started catching and I wasn’t able to run or anything like that.

“For me it was a tough decision whether or not to play. The guys told me they would take care of it. I feel like I made the right decision to get ready for the next game.”

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