Reggie Ragland cleared for practice, ready to tackle season ahead

Buffalo Bills’ linebacker Reggie Ragland has been cleared for practice after missing his entire rookie season to a torn ACL injury.

The Buffalo Bills‘ linebacker situation is an interesting one, but the position got a little bit stronger when it was announced that Reggie Ragland was cleared for individual drills. Although this doesn’t mean any 7-on-7 or 11-on-11’s for the ‘second-year rookie,’ it does mean he can begin to get his body prepared for what’s ahead.

Ragland was selected in the second round last year and was expected to come in and start at middle linebacker right away. Those plans were derailed during training camp last season when Ragland’s rookie campaign was cut short before it even started.

A torn ACL kept him sidelined for all of 2016. Not only does he now have to compete for that same position all over again, but he has to do it with a brand new coaching staff and brand new defensive scheme (4-3 defense). Reggie Ragland, who is a product of Alabama, has never played in a 4-3 defense before.

With that being said, Ragland is taking his time away from team drills to learn the scheme and familiarize himself with the new playbook. Ragland seems to be doing everything right leading up to his return, which should be a promising sign for someone who hasn’t played an NFL snap yet.

He addressed the media yesterday and made it known that he is ready to fill whatever position the Buffalo Bills put him in. It was clear that he just wanted to play football and help put this defense — and team as a whole — in a better position to win on Sundays.

"“It felt great just to get back out there on the field,” Ragland told BuffaloBills.com. “This week, the trainers just have me doing individual drills to get my legs back up under me, and we’re going to take it all day-by-day. It just depends on how my knee feels. But for the most part, it feels great.“What the staff has done for me has been fantastic. Everyone’s been great. So, I’m thankful for that, to have the type of people around me to help me get back like those guys.”"

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He continued:

"“I told the coaches, I will do whatever they need me to do to get on the field,” Ragland said. “If I’ve got to slide over, it’s not going to stop me from working my tail off every day. If I have to do that, I will. I’m a competitor and I love this game. I love to play.”"

As of right now, despite receiving a lot of praise from the new coaches, Reggie Ragland isn’t penciled in as a starter Week 1. However, it is likely that he starts somewhere, either at middle or at outside linebacker.

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Looking to be ready by training camp, Ragland will battle it out with three-year starter Preston Brown for that middle linebacker position, which will have the most opportunity to lead the team in tackles. Last year, Zach Brown and P. Brown both led the team with tackles (middle linebackers) with 149 and 139 tackles, respectively.

With those two battling it out, it’s assumed that the loser of the battle will move to the outside. given that the Bills’ only other options would be a rookie or Ramon Humber. Expect a starting lineup of Lorenzo Alexander, Reggie Ragland and Preston Brown next season, but training camp will tell us where those guys are put on the field.

We’re just happy to know that Ragland is back on the field and will be ready to start team practice soon. There’s been a lot of hype about his return and I’m excited to see him progress as he finally gets a shot at what he loves to do.

Good luck this season, Ragland!

Next: Update on the Buffalo Bills' linebacker battles

Where do you think Reggie Ragland will play this season? Leave your thoughts below!