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OWINGS MILLS, Md. -- Baltimore Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco said Tuesday that he's made "big improvements" over the last three weeks of his rehab from a season-ending knee injury. On the second day of the Ravens' offseason workout program, Flacco said he has begun to run and throw short passes. He has been able to put weight on the surgically repaired left knee and has been doing squats in the weight room. "I can do everything, pretty much," Flacco said. "It's just a matter of how well I can do it and do I have a little limp here and there." Ravens officials have applauded Flacco on his recovery this offseason and have been told by doctors that he's been attacking the knee rehab better than anyone they've seen. The team believes Flacco will be ready for the start of training camp in late July. Flacco insisted that he has not been told of any set timetable for his return, but said, "All that I know is I want to be back for training camp and be back for the season. I'm doing all I can to get to that point." Flacco hasn't done much throwing, but he is playing catch with 15-yard tosses. He will likely do more throwing in the coming weeks. His range of motion is surprisingly good four months and one week after surgery to repair his ACL and MCL. While sitting on the training table, Flacco can pull his left leg back to a degree that is comparable to what he can do with his right leg. He isn't yet at the point where he can get on his knees and sit back on his heels. The next step for Flacco is to run at full speed and make cuts to test the knee. "I don't feel like I have to protect it," Flacco said. "I'm not a big brace wearer, but I wear it just so I don't hurt myself. I want to be as cautious as possible. But, at the same time, I don't feel like I have any tentativeness when I go out there and I'm doing things, whether it's in the training room or on the field."
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