Sergio

Kindle

Paul Kruger, Pernell McPhee, and perhaps even Sergio Kindle could be in the mix for more snaps in Suggs’ absence, but King expects Upshaw to be “one of the most significant rookies in the league this year.” The Ravens are still awaiting final word on the extent of Suggs’ injury.

The same is true of KR David Reed, who lost his return job last season before tearing his ACL in Week 16. Coach John Harbaugh indicated in December that Kindle was making nice progress, but he still appeared in only two games after missing his entire rookie year with a fractured skull. Even if Kindle survives final cuts, 2012 will be a make-or-break year for the former second-round pick.

The Ravens’ leading special teams tackler, McClellan also filled in at inside linebacker for one late-season start. McClellan will be the underdog going into camp, as Harbaugh expects Kruger to “rise to the occasion and have a heck of a year.” Sergio Kindle wasn’t mentioned as a candidate for the job.

A 2010 second-round pick, Kindle missed his entire rookie season with a fractured skull, and was active just twice in 2011. If he’s able to crack the roster, he’ll be utilized as a special teamer and reserve pass rusher.

“This is his year,” DeCosta said. “He has to show us that he can do it this year.” Opportunity is no longer an obstacle with RE/OLB Terrell Suggs likely to miss the season. Kindle will still have to win a roster spot, though.

He won’t be an option to replace free agent SLB Jarret Johnson. Kindle made it onto the field for just two appearances in 2011 and did not register so much as a special teams tackle. He was a healthy scratch for both playoff games.

“He just has a better understanding now,” Harbaugh said of the 2010 second-rounder. “He’s made a lot of progress, and we think he’s ready to play more and more.” Kindle only played defense in garbage time last week. He’s likely to see most of his time on special teams.

“The hearing hasn’t changed but I’m more acclimated to everything now,” he said. “I was good all of last year, but I had to take precaution coming in. This year, I got my guns blazing. It’s no holds barred.” Kindle was inactive all last year. He’ll have to do something special in training camp to make the Ravens’ roster.

It’s telling that he passed through waivers, meaning the entire league found him unworthy of a claim. Kindle is still only 25 years old, but he’s shown nothing on the field since Ozzie Newsome made him the 43rd pick in the 2010 draft.

Kindle, a 2010 second-round pick, is a healthy inactive. Reid is out with a calf injury. Baltimore is one of the healthiest teams in the league.