The Ravens got bad news -- but not terrible news -- on Friday regarding Super Bowl XLVII hero Jacoby Jones.
Per a league source, Jones suffered a sprained MCL in his right knee during Thursday night’s regular-season opener. He’ll likely miss 4-6 weeks.
The MCL is a rope-like ligament that becomes frayed when sprained. Most tears not involving complete severing of the ligament can heal with rest. Jones’ expected absence meshes with a Grade II MCL sprain, which should heal without surgery.
Jones suffered the injury after an accidental collision with teammate Brynden Trawick, who ran into Jones while Jones was trying to catch a punt. It looked serious at the time, with Jones’ knee hyperextending in ugly fashion upon impact.
Marlon Brown is listed as Jones’ only understudy on the depth chart. The Ravens have only six receivers on the active roster. Receiver Gerrard Shepard has a spot on the practice squad; he could be elevated during Jones’ absence.
But Jones will most likely remain on the 53-man roster. Short-term injured reserve, which would knock Jones out for at least eight weeks, isn’t an option because the one-per-team designation was used earlier this week on tight end Dennis Pitta.
The Ravens host the Browns on Sunday, September 15. Although no other teams have played their Week One games, the Ravens (and the Broncos) can sign vested veterans now, without having to potentially guarantee their full base salaries.