John Harbaugh provides stunning injury update on Ravens’ breakout defender after suffering a major injury earlier this spring

“Ar’Darius had the torn Achilles. It was a clean tear, if you want to call it that, so it’s one of those ones that heals. It’s the more quick-healing version. So Ar’Darius tells me he’ll be back in November. He’s always been a quick healer. I’m looking at November, December in my mind,” said Harbaugh. “So yes, we’re counting on him being back. You know, it’s all speculation but nobody’s going to work harder. He got back from the foot last time really quick.”

What a turn of events this would be for the Ravens if it comes true. And, to be honest, for Washington — who is in the prime of his career and seeking his first big NFL contract after signing a restricted free agent tender earlier this offseason to stay in Baltimore. Even if Washington ends up coming back in December, not November, it could be a key return to action for a Ravens’ secondary that bloomed once Washington claimed a role last year.

The bridge between his projected return and the start of the season is sizable, so the Ravens will have plenty to figure out even if this comes true. For the Ravens to return him this season, they’ll need to carry him on the 90-man roster until the initial 53-man cut after the preseason and then place him on injured reserve with a “designated for return” label.

So in the months ahead, as the Ravens get a better feel for how Washington’s healing and rehab is trending, there will be clues on whether or not this ambitious forecast is on track to come true or not.

But at the very least, the Ravens can sleep a little better at night here in late May knowing that, for now, their X-factor from last season could be back as early as November. Just a few weeks ago, he was as good as gone for the year.