Fabian Washington: 'Dr. Andrews put the icing on the cake'

OWINGS MILLS, Md. – Baltimore Ravens cornerbacks Fabian Washington and Lardarius Webb visited Dr. James Andrews’ office Monday, and both got positive news regarding their rehabilitation from torn anterior cruciate ligaments.

Washington said that he expects to be ready for the first day of training camp, and Webb indicated on his Twitter account that he’s on schedule in his recovery.

“Dr. Andrews pretty much gave me the OK that I’ll be ready for the first day of training camp,” Washington said during a telephone interview after returning from his doctor’s visit in Birmingham, Ala. “I’ll be ready to go. I’m doing the individual drills now, cutting and running. He checked out my knee and I’ll definitely be ready for camp.

“I wasn’t really emotional about it. It’s to be expected. I’ve talked to our team doctors and our trainer, Bill Tessendorf, and we’ve definitely always thought I’ll be ready for camp. Getting the word from Dr. Andrews put the icing on the cake. It wasn’t anything but good news.”

Washington tore up his left knee during a loss to the Indianapolis Colts on Nov. 22.

And Webb injured his right knee one month later during a win over the Chicago Bears.

A renowned orthopedic surgeon, Andrews repaired the damage to both cornerbacks’ knees

Washington and Webb have been training together, and Washington is ahead of Webb because of the timing of his injury.

“I’m like six weeks ahead of him,” Washington said. “He’s close, but we’re not exactly on the same schedule. He’s doing everything I’m doing, but at a little slower pace. I’m a little ahead of him on speed and agility, but that’s normal.

"We’re working together constantly, that’s one of my guys. Trust me, we’re working hard. We’re putting in the work to get back. I want to be out there with the guys. I’ve been away from football for too long.”

It will be a race for Webb to get ready for the first game of the season. Last week, Webb appeared fairly comfortable backpedaling and cutting and coach John Harbaugh declared that he was significantly ahead of schedule.

The Ravens have had Chris Carr starting opposite Domonique Foxworth at cornerback with Washington and Webb sidelined, and Cary Williams has operated as the nickel back.

The Ravens also signed veteran corner Travis Fisher last week

“I told the Ravens that I was all for them drafting a corner just in case, because you never know with these type of injuries,” Washington said. “I just keep working and working and everything looks good for both of us to be back.”

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