With a final opportunity to make a statement in the competition with Albert McClellan for the Ravens’ starting rush linebacker spot, rookie Courtney Upshaw instead reinjured the shoulder that’s plagued him throughout the summer.
The 35th overall pick in April’s draft left the game in the second quarter of the Ravens’ 31-17 loss to the St. Louis Rams Thursday, and his status for the season opener against the Cincinnati Bengals on Sept. 10 is now in question. Upshaw is scheduled to undergo an MRI Friday.
“I’m concerned,” Harbaugh told reporters following the game. “We’ll find out tomorrow with an MRI what it is.”
Upshaw originally injured his shoulder on July 28 in a collision with rookie running back Bernard Pierce, which caused him to miss the preseason opener in Atlanta. He finished the preseason with three tackles and one sack in three games.
Concerns already existed over Upshaw’s slow progression as the Ravens are trying to generate a pass rush without Pro Bowl linebacker Terrell Suggs, who is on the physically unable to perform list and not expected to return until mid-November at the earliest. The Ravens were counting on the rookie from Alabama to step in as the starting rush linebacker, but McClellan outperformed him in the preseason to claim the job for the start of the season.
In other injury news, offensive lineman Justin Boren injured his right foot and will undergo an MRI on Friday. Tight ends Matt Balasavage (ankle) and Bruce Figgins (shoulder) were also banged up against the Rams.
