NFL teams
Jamison Hensley, ESPN Staff Writer 8y

Ravens planning for Terrell Suggs to return in 2016

NFL, Baltimore Ravens

OWINGS MILLS, Md. -- The Baltimore Ravens expect linebacker Terrell Suggs to return for the 2016 season.

"In my last conversation to him, his answer to me was: I don't want to leave the game the way I left in Denver," general manager Ozzie Newsome said in the annual state-of-the-Ravens news conference Thursday. "So, I think he's using that as motivation."

Suggs, a six-time Pro Bowl linebacker, hasn't spoken to reporters since he suffered his season-ending Achilles injury in the season opener in Denver. There was speculation he might be considering retirement because Suggs mentioned he was in the "back nine" of his career this past offseason.

But the Ravens anticipate the 33-year-old linebacker will be on the field after recovering from his second Achilles injury in three years.

"He's had that injury before, so he knows what it takes to get back," Newsome said. "I'm just looking forward to him getting back in here and being involved in the [organized team activities] and going through training camp and seeing where he is."

Owner Steve Bisciotti said he has a higher appreciation for Suggs after watching how his loss affected the defense. The Ravens had to blitz more without him, which allowed for more underneath routes. The cornerbacks and safeties had to maintain coverage longer because Suggs wasn't rushing the passer.

"It was the biggest domino effect of losing one guy," Bisciotti said.

The Ravens finished 5-11 this season.

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