5 Baltimore Ravens Who Cannot Get Hurt in 2012

One of the many reasons the Ravens were as good as they were in 2011 was because they stayed healthy. In the NFL, you can have the most talented roster, but if an injury to a key player occurs, it can really limit the team's potential.

There are many stars on this Ravens team. While a handful of those players have produced without having to endure a major injury, the depth behind them isn't great.

Between these five players, they collectively started 76 out of a possible 80 games in 2011. In other words, they're all pretty durable.

Still, as great as these players are and as close to a Super Bowl as this team is, nothing should be left to chance.

1. Joe Flacco

Joe Flacco has started 73 times in 73 games throughout his four-year NFL career (playoffs included).

From the beginning, the least of Flacco's concerns was his durability. Despite facing elite defense within the AFC North, Flacco has been able to keep himself away from the big injury.

Flacco will most likely start every game this year. In the event he doesn't, his backup is unproven. No matter what team you want to analyze, they cannot afford an injury to their starting quarterback. Not in this league.

Especially with a full offseason to mesh with his young offensive talent, it's important Flacco stay healthy so he can continue his progression toward a Super Bowl.

At 6'6" and 245 pounds, Flacco has the size and strength to stay on the field. Ravens fans (well, most Ravens fans) are hoping his streak continues in 2012.

2. Ed Reed

After missing eight starts from 2009-10, Ed Reed started every one of Baltimore's 18 games (postseason included) in 2011.

While each year could be his last, it's especially important Reed stay healthy in 2012 for two reasons.

One, his likely backup is a rookie (Christian Thompson).

Two, the only thing Reed is lacking in his career is a Super Bowl championship. The Ravens are as close to a Super Bowl right now as they ever will be.

Since the Harbaugh era began in Baltimore (2008), Reed's yearly interception totals have been nine, three, eight and three. History says he's primed for a strong season in that department.

None of that matters if he's not in uniform.

3. Ray Lewis

Of these five players, Ray Lewis is the only one who missed time during the 2011 season. He sat out four games due to a toe injury.

Although his legendary leadership was still available, it was only available on the sideline. As good of a player as Lewis is, he's just as good of a leader and motivator. Having him on the field is a must if the Ravens want to win.

Over the last five years, Lewis has forced at least two fumbles, had at least two sacks and has averaged 121 tackles each year.

Even though Lewis is still a very good three-down linebacker, his on-field presence alone is an instant advantage for the Ravens.

4. Ray Rice

Ray Rice led the NFL in yards from scrimmage in 2011. He gained 2,068 yards on 367 touches, averaging 5.6 yards per touch. Only two of those touches resulted in lost fumbles.

In this year's draft, Baltimore selected Bernard Pierce in the third round to be one of Rice's backups. Pierce is four inches taller and six pounds heavier than Rice, so he figures to get a fair amount of playing time in order to keep Rice fresh.

Rice is clearly the starter at running back and, depending on who you talk to, is the best player on the entire team.

There is a little more depth at the running back position than at the previous positions listed. However, Rice is not a player you can easily replace. In the three years he's been the starter, Rice has averaged over 1,300 rushing yards and over 650 receiving yards each year.

If quarterbacks weren't so important, Rice would get more than a few votes for the league MVP award.

5. Marshal Yanda

Easily the best offensive lineman on the Ravens, Marshal Yanda is someone Baltimore cannot afford to lose, whatsoever.

His versatility is almost as remarkable as his toughness. Yanda is experienced enough to know how to deal with most situations, but young enough to still be in his prime.

Yanda has started every game for the Ravens over the last two seasons, but he hasn't always been healthy. He seems to often be battling some kind of ailment, but starts and plays well nonetheless.

The Ravens will have a good amount of depth along their offensive line this season—that is, if those players are healthy. Injury or no injury, Yanda is one player the Ravens can always count on.