Jeff Wolfson

McClain hopes to play vs. Steelers despite ankle injury

by Dan Kolko View Comments

The boot on the left foot of Ravens fullback Le'Ron McClain indicates that of the game-ending injuries to three Ravens' starters, his ailment is likely the most severe.

But, McClain says, his sprained left ankle doesn't appear to be a serious thing, and he hopes to be able to play a week from today against the Steelers.

"It's crazy, man. I've never been hurt and had to come out of the game and couldn't go back in," McClain said. "Just kind of frustrating.

"Right now they're just saying day-to-day. They really don't know now. It's just good that I had my ankle taped up real good and got ice on it soon. I had ice on it the whole second half and elevated it, just getting it right. You see me in a boot now, just trying to get right. I've got a big game come Sunday, and I've got to be ready for that."

X-rays taken on McClain's ankle came back negative. He said he wasn't sure if the ankle sprain is of the high variety, which is usually more serious than a standard sprain.

"They just said ankle sprain, so I don't know," he said. "Hopefully it ain't high."

McClain said he thought the worst when he first got his ankle rolled up on by a Buccaneers player during a second quarter kickoff return. The two-time Pro Bowler sounded optimistic about his prognosis shortly after the game, however.

"You'll see me in treatment 24/7 getting this thing right," McClain said. "I've got to play Sunday against Pittsburgh. I'm playing against Pittsburgh, so don't count me out."

Under the boot on his foot, McClain had an electronic "stim" device (short for stimulating) attached to the ankle, which is intended to improve blood flow to help the injury heal quicker.

That's part of the three-pronged rehab process that the Ravens' fullback will employ over the next week to try and get back on the field for the Steelers game.

"Stim, ice, elevate, man," he said. "Get ready for Sunday."

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