Ravens will forge on without Gregg in 2008

By Neal Coolong  |   Tuesday, October 07, 2008  |  Comments( 3 )

Baltimore Ravens
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The National Football Post's Jack Bechta and the Baltimore Sun are reporting that Ravens nose tackle Kelly Gregg will undergo microfracture surgery, thus ending his 2008 season.

Bechta is Gregg's agent.

Gregg has been sidelined all season with a knee problem, and it's reported the injury is not responding to treatment. The surgery, aimed at stimulating blood flow and accelerated healing in the injured area, will be performed by Dr. James Andrews. Justin Bannan will continue to replace Gregg in the starting lineup, which he has done through the team's first four games.

Commentary: Gregg, nicknamed Buddy Lee for his resemblance to a doll in a series of Lee's Jeans commercials, is one of the most underrated defensive players in the league. While the Ravens' defense has been dominant in his absence, his ability to eat up blockers and plug up the middle against the run will be missed.

His versatility along the Ravens' ever-shifting defensive front is probably his best value. Gregg's played the nose tackle position in the team's 3-4, and both tackle spots out of the 4-3. He combined with third-year tackle Haloti Ngata to help bolster a defensive unit that hasn't finished lower than eighth against the rush in the NFL since 2004.

The Ravens, even without Gregg, have been nasty against the run this year as well. They currently are allowing a meager 64 yards per game on the ground, best in the NFL.

Fan Pulse: Fans posting on Extreme Ravens are discussing Gregg's loss for the season.

Fantasy Football Impact: While Gregg is a solid player who helps make a great defense even better, the Ravens have shown no signs of slowing down without him. They are still among the best options available for fantasy defensive teams.

Injury Watch:The MRI results on right tackle Adam Terry's knee and cornerback Fabian Washington's shoulder haven't been released as of now. Ravens coach John Harbaugh said wide receiver Derrick Mason's thumb injury shouldn't prevent him from playing in Week 6 against Indianapolis.
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About Neal Coolong

Neal Coolong is a freelance sports writer with contributions to Scout.com, AOL and Steelers Live. He lives with his fiance in St. Paul, Minn., and saves every dime (that she knows about) for their wedding next June. He's already made the prediction that the Steelers 2007 draft class will be one...
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