Brendon Ayanbadejo could begin season on PUP list

OWINGS MILLS, Md. -- Due to uncertainty with inside linebacker Brendon Ayanbadejo’s surgically repaired quadriceps, he could begin the season on the physically unable to perform list.

The former Pro Bowl special-teams ace has been out ever since tearing his quadriceps last October against the New England Patriots.

“I would say less confident now, at this time,” Harbaugh said when asked if Ayanbadejo will be ready in time for the season opener. “The fact that he hasn’t been able to practice all through camp means he’s probably going to be pushed back to some extent, and we’ll just have to decide, really, within the next week what status he’s going to be going into the season.

“He works out and trains and all that, but he got no work obviously in practice, which is really the main work that you need. He says he’s feeling a lot better, and that’s where he’s at.”

Ayanbadejo, 34, would miss at least the first six games of the season if he’s designated on the PUP list.

Ayanbadejo acknowledged that he’s running out of time to pass his physical and be activated before the start of the regular seaosn.

He has done some running and agility drills on the side and had a plasma injection a few weeks ago to accelerate the healing process in the leg.

“I don’t know if they’re comfortable enough, maybe I can talk Harbaugh into letting me do seven-on-seven and individual,” Ayanbadejo said. “Coach Harbaugh and I talked about it and nothing can replicate football. That’s the one negative. Either way, I’m going to come back 100 percent.

“It’s a long season and we play the type of bully ball where at some point in time my services are going to be very valuable. I want to be back as soon as I can. I’m sick of watching.”

It’s been tough for Ayanbadejo to watch film of his teammates.

“Your incentive to watch film after practice is you get to see yourself,” he said. “I never get to see myself. I just get to imagine what it would be like.”

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