Wright Injured; Ravens Sign DB Carter
The Associated Press
Thursday, May 20, 2004; 3:47 PM
OWINGS MILLS, Md. -- Baltimore Ravens backup quarterback Anthony Wright will undergo surgery on his right shoulder next week, a procedure that could force him to miss most of the season.
"The worst-case scenario is somewhere between four to six months," said Wright, who has a torn labrum.
Also Thursday, the Ravens reached agreement on a one-year deal with cornerback Dale Carter, a four-time Pro Bowler who was released by the New Orleans Saints in March.
Wright said the injury occurred last November against the Seattle Seahawks, a game in which he threw for 319 yards and four touchdowns in leading the Ravens to an overtime victory.
"I was in the throwing motion and somebody grabbed my arm," he said.
Wright was in uniform for the four-day passing camp that concluded Thursday, but was limited in his activity.
Wright was expected to begin the season as the backup to Kyle Boller. Playing the same role last season, Wright replaced an injured Boller and led the Ravens to the playoffs by going 5-2 over the last seven regular season games as a starter.
Wright, once a starter for the Dallas Cowboys, went 94-for-178 for 1,119 yards and nine touchdowns in 2003. He had eight interceptions.
With Wright out, the lone two quarterbacks behind Boller are rookies -- sixth-round draft pick Josh Harris and undrafted free agent Brian Gaither.
"We've already spoken with some agents who represent quarterbacks, and we'll look at those who might be released after June 1," general manager Ozzie Newsome said. "Right now, we're not certain that we'll sign another quarterback, but we have to be prepared for that possibility."
Carter's 11-year NFL career features several big plays and some lengthy suspensions for violation of the league's substance abuse policy. He was forced to sit out the entire 2000 season and missed half of the 2002 season as a disciplinary measure.
"You're always concerned when you add to the chemistry of this team," Ravens coach Brian Billick said. "Dale is a functioning member of the NFL and there were several teams interested in him. He has shown in the past year, in particular, that he understands how he has to conduct himself."
Carter is expected to compete for a reserve cornerback role behind starters Chris McAlister and Gary Baxter.
"It's a long season," Newsome said. "As many players as you can get going into training camp, learning your system, the better off you are."
© 2004 The Associated Press
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/ar ... May20.html
Man, when I say they're catching up to Dallas, I mean it!
billick does have a big head 