Bernard

Pollard

It’s Pollard’s first known visit. He reportedly had interest from 5-6 teams during training camp. If healthy, Pollard could provide a starting option with Charles Woodson sidelined and Nate Allen on short-term I.R. 30-year-old Pollard was an effective in-the-box safety for the Titans before going down last year.

Pollard can hit, an area where Knight is starting to fade.

Zbikowski and Bernard Pollard were running neck-and-neck throughout the preseason, and the two will work in a timeshare. Pollard is a thumper in the running game, so he’ll see most of his action on early downs.

Zbikowski suffered the concussion on October 2. Bernard Pollard will continue to get all the reps at strong safety.

Pollard was entering the last season of a two-year, $2.735 million contract signed last summer. Starting 13 of 16 games, Pollard recorded 55 tackles, two sacks, three forced fumbles and one interception opposite Ed Reed. The Ravens value him as a vocal leader and back-end enforcer. With the improvement at cornerback, Pollard’s lack of range isn’t as much of a factor in the passing game.

It’s Zbikowski’s second concussion of the season. The first one cost him two games. If Zbikowski can’t go after the Ravens’ bye, Bernard Pollard figures to step in at strong safety. Rookie corner Jimmy Smith also sustained a concussion in Week 17.

Bernard Pollard will remain the starting strong safety after Zbikowski started the first four games of the season. Zbikowski’s snaps figure to be limited this weekend, but he should settle back into a timeshare with Pollard before long.

It’s in addition to Pollard’s $1.25M salary. The Carroll County Times believes the Ravens will pick up the bonus after Pollard notched 75 tackles, two sacks and a pick across 16 games this season, 13 of which were starts. He graded out as Pro Football Focus’ 10th best safety. Pollard just turned 27 in December.

Pollard took a shot from teammate Courtney Upshaw during the first quarter Sunday and never returned. Eagles tight end Brent Celek proceeded to rip apart the Ravens’ defense and backup James Ihedigbo. X-rays of Pollard’s chest showed no fracture, so he should be able to get back on the field quickly.

Pollard went to the locker room for X-rays and emerged out of uniform. The hard-hitter was replaced by James Ihedigbo.